I hunkered down over my yellow, aerodynamic bike, felt the wind sting my eyes and was determined to make up my lost time. I was so focused, I got tunnel vision. The only thing that mattered was me, my bike and the person in front of me. One by one I passed them. Just remember: bike strong.


I was completely worn out. That was the first thing I thought of when I dismounted my bike. It was that and the heat. My energy was draining and the sun wasn’t helping. I had to tough it out. I kept my legs pumping as I ran on a rocky sidewalk next to the beach. I was pushing myself, but I couldn’t let off. Breathe in, breathe out. Running was the hardest part of every race, but it could be the difference between first and fifth. Suddenly, I was so close to the finish I could see the gigantic, blue, balloon arch. I sprinted to the finish with every ounce of strength I had left. I was fourth! The second girl! I let the announcer drape a medal over me.


Swim, bike, run — a triathlon — a race that tests how long you can swim, how fast you can bike and how you tough it out on the run. The feeling of finishing a race sets you on cloud nine. Winning one makes you a real champion. It was only my third race, but I placed first in my age group. The race was one of my proudest moments. I will never forget the way I felt crossing the finish line: a mixture of relief, pride, accomplishment and pure happiness. Now I feel like I can do anything. Whatever it is, bring it on.


USAT Youth 7

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