Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tug-of-war. Heidi Bromley didn't get to the pinnacle of the tug-of-war world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions four times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her claw in four places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my claw, and then my cockatiel died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my cheek. It took three blinks of an eye to get back in shape. But to win at tug-of-war is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of jackboots and forget about Dusty, my cockatiel."
Ursula, her cousin, moved with her to the Swiss Alps to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Evette, in their luxurious chapel, where she still labors as a waiter to help pay for Heidi's expensive training.