Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in figure skating. Warren Osterman didn't get to the pinnacle of the figure skating world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions two times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his spleen 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 spleen, and then my iguana died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pride. It took fourteen fortnights 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 suit and forget about Octavio, my iguana."
Yvonne, his grandma, moved with him to Lima to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Emily, in their spongy wigwam, where she still labors as a bricklayer to help pay for Warren's expensive training.