Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in figure skating. Julia Carver didn't get to the pinnacle of the figure skating world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions three times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her knee 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 knee, and then my chicken died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my mouth. It took twelve years to get back in shape. But to win at figure skating is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my cowboy hat and forget about Chum, my chicken."
Taylor, her mother, moved with her to Glendale to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Oscar, in their coarse cottage, where he still labors as an acrobat to help pay for Julia's expensive training.