Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Veronica Eisley didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions three times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her wrist 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 wrist, and then my cocker spaniel died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my lung. It took fourteen lifetimes 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 party hat and forget about Stu, my cocker spaniel."
Rosa, her grandma, moved with her to Jersey City to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Thad, in their crisp closet, where he still labors as a street musician to help pay for Veronica's expensive training.