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In October 2010, I left my hometown and family in Virginia and moved to Iowa so I could be coached by Liang Chow. Id been dreaming of an Olympic gold medal since I was eight — but gradually, that dream seemed like a million miles away.

On January 2, 2012, while Mom was visiting me in Iowa, I told her, “I dont like gymnastics any more. I want to try dancing, or become a singer. I can get a job in Virginia. I just want to come home.”

Moms eyes narrowed and her expression turned to stone. “Youre breaking my heart, Brie,” she said. “Youve been doing gymnastics for ten years, and now you want to quit? Have you lost your mind?”

I hadnt lost my mind, but I had lost my fire. Its an entirely different thing to push toward that dream when you feel alone.

“Im not trying to break your heart, Mom,” I said. “I just dont want to do it any more.”

“I know you miss home. But youve signed a contract that says you will represent your country to the best of your ability. Youve got a responsibility to your teammates. And now you just want to walk away? I will not let you be dishonorable. If you dont like gymnastics, then at the very least, you will finish the season.”

The next afternoon as I dragged myself into Chows gym, I thought of the efforts Mom had made in order to pay for my training. I thought of my two sisters: Arielle, who gave up ballroom dancing, and Joyelle, who stopped ice skating so that our single mom could afford to keep me in gymnastics.

For now, heres what you need to know: Exactly 210 days before I ever attempted my first vault (撐竿跳) in the London Summer Olympics, my leap (跳躍) of faith came this close to ending in a crash of disaster.

1. Why did the author want to give up gymnastics?

A. She thought she loved music more. B. She was overcome with homesickness.

C. An Olympic gold was beyond her reach. D. The training for the Olympics was too hard.

2. How did the authors mother feel on hearing her words?

A. Heart-broken. B. Crazy. C. Helpless. D. Calm.

3. We can infer from the passage that the author ＿＿＿ .

A. was born into an athletic family B. realized her Olympic dream

C. changed her mind in the end D. had a bad childhood

4. What would be the best title for the passage?

A. A Dream Comes True B. My Leap of Faith C. My Mother D. A Quitter