Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in dancing. Antonia Gifford didn't get to the pinnacle of the dancing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session three times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her liver in two 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 liver, and then my badger died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my paw. It took two hours to get back in shape. But to win at dancing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my bicycle helmet and forget about Broderick, my badger."
Antonio, her cousin, moved with her to Georgia to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Buster, in their sleek townhouse, where he still labors as an upholsterer to help pay for Antonia's expensive training.