Ok, I Admit It! I'm Lucky!

It was a sunny and humid day, the typical for any Florida afternoon in April and there I was. I saw the sand at the end of the runway and the sun blinded my eyes. I could feel my heart racing with excitement and fear of embarrassment and I could feel the coaches’ hopes and support for me. I took one last rocker step and a deep breath and ran to my destination, the sand pit at the end of the runway.

Ok, let’s rewind back to before one of the most nerve wracking moments in my over-dramatic and insane life. It was the end of the track season of my freshman year and I was so discouraged in my performance in Districts that year. As I cleaned up the horrible mess that was created by the track people, Marissa walked up to me and we vowed that we would both make it to Regionals next year. At that moment, my heart was set on one goal for track next year, Regionals. The track season of my sophomore year came swiftly after a good season of basketball and I was more than ready. Although, I was a bit worried; I had been so accustomed to the feel and rhythm of basketball, that I felt that I had forgotten the rhythm and feel of track.

The beginning of the season started extremely rough for me, my times for my running events were just a bit off of my usual and I was beginning to give up hope on my vow with Marissa. The season progressed and I began the training for my long lost event I had a secret crush on, triple jump. The techniques, I had almost forgotten, seemed like it was a new routine for dance. I felt like a wet chicken on a tight rope over a pot of stew and it was awful! As time wore on and my frustration of the not-so-immediate click for the triple jump was gone, I had gotten the rhythm back!

The coaches placed me in triple jump in a big meet, and I was utterly terrified! It was the county meet and my best jump had been a mere 26’ 8”, which, in my view, was horrible! Surprisingly, I made it to the finals in the triple jump at county and made a miraculous jump. I jumped 27’ 11”!!! I was shocked, but also exhausted from the other terrible events that I had to compete in. I was ecstatic and I my self-confidence sky-rocketed! I had the confidence and courage to say. “I have a good chance of making it to Regionals!” My cheer and happiness was short lived when the tension of Districts rose around the track. The practices became more intense and a bit more awkward. For example, they had me jump on the high jump mat with my arms flailing like I was trying to fly or something! My high-spirits suddenly diminished to a sliver of hope that was thinner than a needle. The many days I had to practice flew by and it was my moment to shine.

It was a sunny afternoon and I was exhausted! I had just completed long jump and the heat’s grip held on to me with all its strength. I walked back into the gym, plugged my iPod in, and got my mind ready. I envisioned myself flying through the air like a majestic flying squirrel (technically flying squirrels glide). I listened to some epic music and returned back outside into the sun’s domain.

There I was, I saw the sand at the end of the runway and the sun blinded my eyes. I could feel my heart racing with excitement and fear of embarrassment and I could feel the coaches’ hopes and support for me. I took one last rocker step and a deep breath and ran to my destination, the sand pit at the end of the runway. I closed my eyes and threw myself into the air like a tattered rag doll.

When I opened my eyes, my three jumps had been jumped and I anxiously waited for the results. Finally, the top four individuals that would advance to Regionals were announced. “Third Place: from Oak Hall, Olivia Edmundson!” I couldn’t help but jump around and scream like a hyena on fire! I WAS GOING TO REGIONALS!

Asian on a Pogo Stick

P.S. I didn’t do so well at Regionals in the triple jump. I looked like a greased monkey and it was really embarrassing! Although, triple jump was much more successful than my “attempt” at the high jump; I scratched at the first jump and was done. So my experience at Regionals was nerve wracking, but I will never forget the feeling of accomplishing my goal.

“You did fine Olivia!” (Cody Blair)
“No I didn’t! I looked like a freaking fish out of water that doesn’t know how to tap dance or tango!!!” (ME)
“What?!” (Cody Blair)
“You heard me!” (ME)