Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in skiing. Ronald Perry didn't get to the pinnacle of the skiing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions two times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his artery 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 artery, and then my goose died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my heart. It took ten minutes to get back in shape. But to win at skiing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my tattoo and forget about Fifi, my goose."
Kami, his grandmother, moved with him to India to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Zack, in their brittle parsonage, where he still labors as a computer programmer to help pay for Ronald's expensive training.