Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Bum Allen 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 day, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his esophagus in two 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 esophagus, and then my zebra died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my mouth. It took two weeks 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 pair of contact lenses and forget about Deborah, my zebra."
Leonie, his main squeeze, moved with him to Topeka to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Susan, in their gaudy tent, where she still labors as a hawk rancher to help pay for Bum's expensive training.