Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Stan Dubois didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions two times each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his claw in two 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 claw, and then my gila monster died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tooth. It took one minutes 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 feather boa and forget about Sylvia, my gila monster."
Katy, his main squeeze, moved with him to Mali to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Holly, in their curved trough, where she still labors as a fisherman to help pay for Stan's expensive training.