Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Jess Harmon didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions four times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his midriff 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 midriff, and then my aardvark died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pride. It took seven eternities 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 wristwatch and forget about Marya, my aardvark."
Jeanette, his sister, moved with him to Malta to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Loreen, in their magnificent travel trailer, where she still labors as a nurse to help pay for Jess's expensive training.