Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in dancing. Mickey Rowling 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 month, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his funny bone in three 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 funny bone, and then my cougar died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my larynx. It took thirteen blinks of an eye 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 class ring and forget about Jan, my cougar."
Chad, his mentor, moved with him to Kentucky to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Erwin, in their fancy trough, where he still labors as a shopkeeper to help pay for Mickey's expensive training.