AUTHOR'S NOTE: suppose i go to torino italy in '06, and win a gold medal? hm ..
--------------------------------------------------------------------
" And, one more lap to go, and Mary's reaching back for one last gear! Sliding into second, -- No, No! First! Can she hold off long enough to make the finish line?! "
Laboured breathing, careening fluidily on frigid ice surface. Silver blades slicing like a knife through hot butter: petite figure slashing through the air, crouched in perfect position. Leading the pack, lips divorced, and mouth slightly agape: the harsh air wrecking havoc on lungs and throat, brain screaming for oxygen. Her eyes, so dark and full of life, locked onto the stands, seeing the people on their feet, cheering for her -- The USA's hopeful in the women's 500 meter short track speedskating.
Her muscles were crying out in strained agony, but the pain became an addictive rush, every ounce of strained muscle going into perfect, strong strokes of feet encased in blade ridden boots. To her left! -- The woman from Germany! She wasn't going to pass her! Her strokes grew quicker, as she blew them all away, and crossing the finish line.
She heard nothing of the explosive cheers from the stands, heard nothing of her ragged breathing. Didn't see the happy faces, broad smiles. She looked up, bent over, hands resting on muscular thighs. Glancing to the scoreboard. .. First .. place .. ? Her?! She swallowed hard, and blinked rapidly.
" You did it, Mary! " Caroline cheered, as the dazed skater approached the team. An American flag thrusted into her hands: gloved digits grasping it. And then her lips broke out into a broad smile, as tears welled up in those dark brown eyes.
She had won the gold. Four years of training, and it all payed off. She thrust her arms into the air, closing her eyes, and inhaling deeply, still smiling; her heart beating so hard, it felt as if it was about to burst! But she did it .. She won the gold medal. When no one else believed in her, she let herself loose, and trained her heart out.
Slowly skating the victory lap, she waved excitedly to the crowds, and blew a happy kiss. Getting off the ice, before quickly training. It was time to go to the medals' podium.
--
Dressed in a black leather ROOTS jacket over her navy - and - red skinsuit, she stood with the German skater, and the Korean skater; medals adorning their necks, and yellow roses in their arms. She looked on to the crowds, cheering just for her, the flashes of the cameras of the press. She bit back on her lips, as the tears surged out over her eyes, and down her cheeks; a camera turned to her, and she waved to it, proudly displaying her newly won gold medal.
