Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Ying Sorovich didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions three times each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her palm in two 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 palm, and then my lizard died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my intestine. It took fourteen fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at long jump is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of dungarees and forget about Evette, my lizard."
Justin, her sister, moved with her to Grand Rapids to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, George, in their polka-dotted yurt, where he still labors as a cardiologist to help pay for Ying's expensive training.