Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in dancing. Salvatore Potter didn't get to the pinnacle of the dancing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session one time each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his pituitary gland 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 pituitary gland, and then my Dalmatian died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my elbow. It took three eternities 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 dress and forget about Horatio, my Dalmatian."
Dax, his sister-in-law, moved with him to Australia to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Nathan, in their abnormal houseboat, where he still labors as a McDonald's fry-cook to help pay for Salvatore's expensive training.