Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in figure skating. Pleasance Saramago didn't get to the pinnacle of the figure skating world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions four times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in tenth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hoof in three 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 hoof, and then my flamingo died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my chest. It took twelve lifetimes 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 coonskin hat and forget about Marv, my flamingo."
Wayne, her mentor, moved with her to Cincinnati to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Thad, in their chic wigwam, where he still labors as a sheriff to help pay for Pleasance's expensive training.