Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in ballet. Luke Case didn't get to the pinnacle of the ballet world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions four times each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his hand 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 hand, and then my ghost died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my kneecap. It took five decades 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 parka and forget about Justin, my ghost."
Nicolas, his main squeeze, moved with him to Croatia to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Jennessa, in their hard tent, where she still labors as a flutist to help pay for Luke's expensive training.