Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in ballet. Russ Reyes 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 week, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his brain in four 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 brain, and then my Dalmatian died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my back. It took fifteen seconds 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 wedding dress and forget about Chris, my Dalmatian."
Marty, his grandpa, moved with him to Albania to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Jane, in their multicolored motor home, where she still labors as a fruit picker to help pay for Russ's expensive training.