Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in skiing. Dorian Shapiro didn't get to the pinnacle of the skiing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions four times each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his tongue 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 tongue, and then my crocodile died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my funny bone. It took one seconds to get back in shape. But to win at skiing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my tie and forget about Alyssa, my crocodile."
Jasmine, his mentor, moved with him to Mumbai to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Darin, in their smumpy quonset hut, where he still labors as an ice skater to help pay for Dorian's expensive training.