Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in ballet. Terri Vidmar didn't get to the pinnacle of the ballet world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions four times each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her aorta 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 aorta, and then my quail died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my back. It took two lifetimes 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 apron and forget about Cynthia, my quail."
Francisco, her friend, moved with her to Nauru to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Rose, in their excellent yurt, where she still labors as a street musician to help pay for Terri's expensive training.