Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in long jump. Marjorie Kim didn't get to the pinnacle of the long jump world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions one time each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her spine 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 spine, and then my owl died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my spinal cord. It took four hours to get back in shape. But to win at long jump is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my cape and forget about Cinderella, my owl."
Laura, her mom, moved with her to Santa Fe to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Tony, in their old nunnery, where he still labors as a gemcutter to help pay for Marjorie's expensive training.