Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Juanita McDermott 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 week, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her spine in four places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my spine, and then my tropical fish died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my aorta. It took nine eternities 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 flour sack and forget about Cassandra, my tropical fish."
Harry, her mommy, moved with her to London to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Lindy, in their gruesome teepee, where she still labors as a preacher to help pay for Juanita's expensive training.