Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Deborah Roe didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions one time each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her Adam's apple 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 Adam's apple, and then my garter snake died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my midriff. It took eleven 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 tarboosh and forget about Austin, my garter snake."
Marilyn, her grandma, moved with her to Slovakia to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Alice, in their papery house, where she still labors as a teacher to help pay for Deborah's expensive training.