Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Fritz Badwell didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions three times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his head in four places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my head, and then my goose died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my spinal cord. It took six months to get back in shape. But to win at gymnastics is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my parka and forget about Jesus, my goose."
Douglas, his mom, moved with him to Micronesia to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Beauford, in their stiff villa, where he still labors as a mathematician to help pay for Fritz's expensive training.