Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in figure skating. Harley Cradduck didn't get to the pinnacle of the figure skating world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions four times each month, 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 groundhog died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my front tooth. It took eight years to get back in shape. But to win at figure skating is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my blazer and forget about Lauren, my groundhog."
Iggy, his grandpa, moved with him to Bhutan to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Bubbles, in their smooth retreat, where she still labors as a stagehand to help pay for Harley's expensive training.