Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in figure skating. Marjorie Ali didn't get to the pinnacle of the figure skating world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions three times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her neck 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 neck, and then my Chihuahua died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my skull. It took two hours 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 derby and forget about Beverly, my Chihuahua."
Ray, her dad, moved with her to Slovakia to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Susie, in their flaky teepee, where she still labors as a pharmacist to help pay for Marjorie's expensive training.