Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Pallavi Zimmerman didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session one time each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, she broke her elbow in four places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my elbow, and then my mare died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tongue. It took six hours 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 jumper and forget about Rumpelstiltskin, my mare."
Alberto, her cousin, moved with her to Rwanda to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Eddie, in their rare ranch house, where he still labors as a cellist to help pay for Pallavi's expensive training.