Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Huong Diaz didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions four times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hand 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 hand, and then my hawk died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyelash. It took two days 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 hat and forget about Valerie, my hawk."
Pinky, her mom, moved with her to Warsaw to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Hilda, in their gigantic cabin, where she still labors as a peddler to help pay for Huong's expensive training.