The Race

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Written by Paul Goosia
Saturday, 19 January 2008

Last Updated ( Sunday, 20 January 2008 )

The Race – by Paul Goosia

The sweat was building up on his forehead. His eyes were fixed only on his lane, squinting with deep concentration. This was his first run in a major event. This was 'the' major event - this was the Olympics. As he heard the call for the runners to take their mark, he could feel his heart pounding violently, his legs trembling. He got down on one knee, and said a little quick prayer. There was silence. And then “bang”, off went the gun. He was off faster than a speeding bullet. Through the corners of his eyes he could see both the current world champion and the former world record holder, both behind him. After a few seconds he noticed he was in the lead. He forced every muscle in his legs. His breathing quicker than ever before. And then he could see the line, where they had started almost 400 meters ago. He took one last glance behind, and couldn't believe how far ahead he was from everyone else. “Oh thank you God!” he said as to himself. Chest forward, he crossed the line, his future flashing before his eyes – gold medal and new world record holder! As soon as he had crossed, he jogged straight off to the sideline, waving his hands in the air, screaming with absolute joy. He takes a quick glance at the big screen to check his time. He notices something strange. The big screen has the words “Mens 800m” written on it. He turns his head towards the track, only to see the other seven runners pass by, some smiling, some with a look of confusion on their faces. “Ohhhhh yeahhhh thats right, the fucking 400 meters were yesterday.” He says quietly to himself.