Christine Tan Yan Ting

Category B (Blaze of Glory)

"Everybody, please gather!" Coach called to the swim team. "I have something to announce." Everyone started whispering and making small talk as Coach kept the suspense a little longer.

"As you all know, the upcoming competition is very prestigious so I will only send the best two of the team to participate. And I have made my choice." The news loomed over everybody as we discussed excitedly who the best two would be. "They would be," he paused, "Jessica and Christine!" Sharp gasps could be heard all around as the news hit me. Me, chosen to participate in the most important swimming event of the year? It seemed impossible. Almost everyone expected it to be Jessica and Mavis, the two who had taken part in countless competitions. My friends eyed me with a suspicious expression which I could read perfectly well. They thought I have been licking the Coach's boots.

In order to clear my name, I requested, "Coach, would you mind if I gave the chance to another more ideal swimmer?" Coach seemed to be able to read my thoughts and smiled knowingly.

"I have chosen and my decision is final."

“But…" I was cut off as he gave me a nod that meant no more discussion.

I broke the news to my Father, which he embraced with a grin. My father had always expected me to be the best and only the best in all swimming competitions as he was a former national champion.

"Your chance is here, so grab it and use it well," he instructed. I nodded with a heavy heart, wondering if I will ever make him proud.

Every day after school I trained hard with the help of Coach and my friends who would give me moral support. Coach gave me many pointers to overcome the pool currents to become faster and my Father would give me tips on how to stay calm and focused throughout the race. Finally the day of the competition came and I hoped my efforts would pay off…

I was dressed and all ready in my swimming gear as I looked at the spectators watching us. Among them I spotted my Father, an anxious expression plastered on his face. I swallowed the lump in my throat and got ready to compete against talented swimmers, a thought which sent shivers down my spine.

Beep! The gun was triggered. As I dived swiftly into the pool, I had only one thing in my mind: to win. I managed my breathing patterns as Father had taught me. I moved my body in the manner Coach advised. Soon a hundred meters were completed and I turned around to start on my last hundred. So far so good. I was among the first few reaching for the ending line. I could see the spectators cheering and screaming for us to reach faster. I imagined my Father praising me for getting first for the first time and that pushed me to swim even faster.

Suddenly I saw Jessica in the next lane going down. She was grabbing a foot. If I helped her, I would lose the race but if I continue, I may win the race. I was at a loss for what to do. At that critical moment I made a quick decision.

I swam over to help Jessica who was drowning because of her legs cramps. I moved her along to the finishing line, keeping her head above water. Finally we arrived at the pool’s end and I saw that we had come in the last two. However, the spectators started to clap their hands and I was soon surrounded by applause and compliments for saving Jessica. Even Father joined in, not minding that I have lost. For once I knew what glory is. Not the glory of winning, but the glory of doing the right thing.

(646 words)