Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in ballet. Vernon Osterman didn't get to the pinnacle of the ballet world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions four times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his appendix 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 appendix, and then my teddy bear died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my arm. It took five years 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 headband and forget about Tonya, my teddy bear."
Kenny, his wife, moved with him to St. Louis to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Mary Lou, in their chic brownstone, where she still labors as a gambler to help pay for Vernon's expensive training.