Shawn Johnson

Known as Peanut, Shawn Johnson is the gymnast who is the symbol of success and perfection for Sera and the other young gymnasts. When Sera and Lucy are poised for the Olympics, the younger gymnasts look at them the same way.

Wounds on the Hands

Wounds on the hands represent the lengths to which the young gymnasts go to succeed.

The Second Mortgage

After Sera wins in the 2014 Classic, Charlene takes out a second mortgage on the house. The mortgage represents her faith in Sera's future as an Olympian. She also takes out “secret” credit cards and spends a lot of money on classes, travel, and clothes.

Gym Face

A "gym face" is a symbol of the self-control Sera and the others have over their emotions. They are never allowed to show strong emotions during a performance and have come to refer to this as...