Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Alexis Fretwell didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions three times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her chin in four 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 chin, and then my polar bear died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my nostril. It took five blinks of an eye 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 dog collar and forget about Christabel, my polar bear."
Cody, her grandfather, moved with her to Lima to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Clara, in their gross parsonage, where she still labors as a scam artist to help pay for Alexis's expensive training.