Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in figure skating. Bria Emery didn't get to the pinnacle of the figure skating world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions one time each fortnight, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her shin in three 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 shin, and then my horsie died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my big toe. It took ten hours to get back in shape. But to win at figure skating is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my jacket and forget about Norm, my horsie."
Alex, her cousin, moved with her to Gainesville to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Frank, in their funny homeless shelter, where he still labors as a distiller to help pay for Bria's expensive training.