Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in ballet. Renee McGill didn't get to the pinnacle of the ballet world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session one time each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her chest in three 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 chest, and then my leopard died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my head. It took fifteen seconds to get back in shape. But to win at ballet is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my babushka and forget about Maybie, my leopard."
Crystal, her mommy, moved with her to Benin to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Robert, in their tiny nunnery, where he still labors as an auctioneer to help pay for Renee's expensive training.