Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in gymnastics. Gunther Rush didn't get to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions four times each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his gall bladder in three 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 gall bladder, and then my lobster died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my ego. It took eight years 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 polo shirt and forget about Lorena, my lobster."
Meredith, his fiancée, moved with him to Charleston to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Pippa, in their polka-dotted teepee, where she still labors as a programmer to help pay for Gunther's expensive training.