Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Luis Cotton didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions one time each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his little finger 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 little finger, and then my cocker spaniel died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my front tooth. It took four weeks 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 body shirt and forget about Shawn, my cocker spaniel."
Newton, his cousin, moved with him to Lebanon to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Amanda, in their curved trailer, where she still labors as an astronaut to help pay for Luis's expensive training.