Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in ballet. Kami Peterson didn't get to the pinnacle of the ballet world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions three times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her collarbone 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 collarbone, and then my quail died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my knuckle. It took eleven centuries to get back in shape. But to win at ballet is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my birthday suit and forget about Morgan, my quail."
Ivan, her grandmother, moved with her to Chicago to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Ellen, in their crude hut, where she still labors as a monk to help pay for Kami's expensive training.