Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in ballet. JD Craft didn't get to the pinnacle of the ballet world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions one time each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his artery 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 artery, and then my ant died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my thumb. It took seven centuries to get back in shape. But to win at ballet is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of socks and forget about Marcus, my ant."
René, his mommy, moved with him to South Bend to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Vince, in their slimy wigwam, where he still labors as a road worker to help pay for JD's expensive training.