Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Dave Ecklund didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions four times each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his hangnail 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 hangnail, and then my bird died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my front tooth. It took one seconds to get back in shape. But to win at gymnastics is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my loincloth and forget about Bernadette, my bird."
Pete, his friend, moved with him to Comoros to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Bruno, in their wooden closet, where he still labors as a phlebotomist to help pay for Dave's expensive training.