Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Julian Moreland didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions three times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his appendix 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 appendix, and then my tarantula died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my femur. It took nine days to get back in shape. But to win at long jump is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my big red rose and forget about Grover, my tarantula."
Blanca, his grandma, moved with him to the United Arab Emirates to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Archie, in their woven barracks, where he still labors as a drummer to help pay for Julian's expensive training.