Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Luann Hensley didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions four times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her femur in two 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 femur, and then my Siamese cat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my knuckle. It took twelve blinks of an eye 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 loincloth and forget about Alexis, my Siamese cat."
Katy, her grandpa, moved with her to Vanatu to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Harvey, in their used trailer, where he still labors as a security guard to help pay for Luann's expensive training.