Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bullfighting. Juan Rudnick didn't get to the pinnacle of the bullfighting world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session one time each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his appendix in two 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 appendix, and then my peacock died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my nose. It took thirteen minutes to get back in shape. But to win at bullfighting is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my dunce cap and forget about Megan, my peacock."
Iggy, his mommy, moved with him to Malta to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Elsie, in their brightly-colored castle, where she still labors as a park ranger to help pay for Juan's expensive training.