Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Mitch Wales didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions four times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his hand in four 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 hand, and then my dromedary died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my Adam's apple. It took three 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 Speedo and forget about Christopher, my dromedary."
Gabe, his aunt, moved with him to Hell to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Bernadette, in their hand-carved houseboat, where she still labors as a physician to help pay for Mitch's expensive training.