Misty Copeland would be a better ballerina if she had started earlier and met fewer challenges.

Misty Copeland overcame self-doubt to fulfill her dreams of being a ballerina through dedication.

If Misty Copeland hadn’t had the support of her friends and family, she never would have gone on to be a ballerina.

There are some sports that require a certain strength and body type for athletes to succeed at them.

“For two weeks, Misty sat on the gym bleachers watching the class, afraid to join in. Finally, she gave it a try.” (Paragraph 4)

“At first, Misty felt out of place in the class. She didn’t know anything about ballet, and she was older than most of the students.” (Paragraph 5)

“Misty had always been long and lean, which was considered ‘perfect’ for a ballet dancer’s body.” (Paragraph 9)

“she began to believe again that she belonged in ballet. Today, Misty says, ‘I’ve learned to embrace my appearance, skin color, and figure.’” (Paragraphs 10-11)

Misty had to work harder when her body changed and people told her she no longer had a body for ballet.

Misty was angered by comments people made about her body and acted out, making it difficult to pursue her dreams.

Misty felt like she never belonged in ballet, even when she was performing, and had to overcome her shyness to succeed.

Misty made her friends and family angry by constantly complaining about the issues she was having in ballet.

At the age of 19, Misty suddenly gained weight and developed curves. ‘My body changed completely over the course of a couple of months’” (Paragraph 9)

“Misty says this time was ‘one of the toughest moments of my professional career.’ Even though Misty felt discouraged, she didn’t quit.” (Paragraph 9)

“She talked with others who had struggled with similar problems.” (Paragraph 10)

“She wrote a picture book, Firebird, in which her character encourages a young African American ballerina.” (Paragraph 11)

Wilma was able to overcome illness and injury to become a top athlete.

Without the support of her family, Wilma would have never made it to the Olympics.

Wilma was lucky that her injuries didn't keep her from winning in the Olympics.

Racial discrimination kept Wilma from getting the help she needed for her illnesses.

“Did this young woman from Tennessee have the strength and determination to win the Olympic gold medal?” (Paragraph 1)

“Because the Rudolphs were African American, only one doctor in their town would care for Wilma.” (Paragraph 4)

“Wilma fought her hardest childhood battle against polio, a disease that crippled her left leg.” (Paragraph 5)

“At home, Wilma and her family massaged and exercised her weak leg to strengthen it.” (Paragraph 5)

“With a final burst of speed, Wilma raced ahead of the competition, becoming the first American woman to win three gold medals at one Olympics.” (Paragraph 12)