Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. John Paul Dillman didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session four times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his tail 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 tail, and then my ox died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my scalp. It took five hours 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 toga and forget about Polly, my ox."
Blake, his mom, moved with him to Concord to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Anastasia, in their broken chapel, where she still labors as a percussionist to help pay for John Paul's expensive training.