Susan Francia
Photograph By Jeff Riedel for ESPN The Magazine
Why we chose her: Teammates laud her visible gifts -- her long legs (she's 6'2''), her wide shoulders -- as well as those that can't be seen.
Take it from a pro: "We were neck and neck with the Romanians at the world championships this summer. It's getting down to the last minute, and our hearts are leaping out of our chests. We can't feel our legs. We can barely breathe. Somehow, Susan calls out for a few extra thrusts. She got out only one syllable at a time, but it made the difference. She pushed us harder, and that's why we won." --Erin Cafaro, Teammate, U.S. Rowing
