Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Macon Vandewater didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions one time each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his intestine 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 intestine, and then my koala died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my toe. It took four 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 set of football pads and forget about Sydney, my koala."
Jane, his aunt, moved with him to Moscow to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Godiva, in their large palace, where she still labors as a mystic to help pay for Macon's expensive training.