Bill Schuffenhuer had gone from homeless child of drug-addicted parents to three-time champion bobsledder. Growing up on the streets of Salt Lake City, Schuffenhauer had never known what the Olympics were. Instead, he was constantly evicted due to his parent’s negligence and was forced to take drastic measures to ensure survival, including robbery and eating from garbage cans.
As he entered junior high with some newfound guidance, from his maternal grandmother, he branched out and joined track and field. Track and field ignited him with passion for the future and helped him discover a great talent. With his continued success, he soon began training for the Olympic trial but tragically his dreams came crashing down when he severely injured his ankle.
Although crushed, the resiliency he learned as child made him strong and eager to continue. ” I knew that there was something better,” Schuffenhauer, 36, said last week as he readied for his third Olympic Games. “And although there were a lot of horrible things that happened, it’s made me a stronger person.”
After a conversation with a bobsledding friend he met at the trials, Schuffenhauer went to check out their training in Park City. During his visit, the coach asked if wanted to attempt to be a pusher; moments later he became the newest member of the Olympic bobsledding team.
Schuffenhauer is now healthy and happily married with two children. Although he continues his success at the Games, he is happy to return home to his family. A safe and happy home, something that he always dreamed of.
To read the full article please visit: http://www.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/02/22/olympics.bobsledder.homeless/index.html?iref=allsearch