Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Otto Bundy didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session one time each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his spine in three 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 spine, and then my lynx died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pancreas. It took three centuries 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 babushka and forget about Daisy, my lynx."
Mickey, his girlfriend, moved with him to West Virginia to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Katie, in their greasy teepee, where she still labors as a shoe repairer to help pay for Otto's expensive training.