Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Jerry Stucky didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session two times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his thyroid gland 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 thyroid gland, and then my German Shepherd died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my lip. It took nine decades 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 pair of Reeboks and forget about Ron, my German Shepherd."
Marty, his mommy, moved with him to the Philippines to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Thad, in their bizarre travel trailer, where he still labors as a builder to help pay for Jerry's expensive training.