PSLE: Determination

“You’ll never win! You are a loser, now and forever!” Andrew’s mean words kept ringing in Pruveesh’s ears. Andrew was from a top-notch school and was full of arrogance. He always won every event in the sport meet. Everyone hated him. Pruveesh was just a small fry from a neighbourhood school. No one had ever won an athlete from a top school before. 

“Pruveesh! You can do it! You can beat him! It’s now or never!” the bronze tanned boy kept reminding himself. The overwhelming desire to win was empowering him. He had to win despite all odds!

The day of the race finally arrived. The euphoric mood at the stadium was contagious. It was the annual inter-school sports meet. Schools had sent their cheerleading teams and students to cheer for their school competitors. The stadium was already bursting at its seams. Bustling crowds of students were fixated on cheering for their schoolmates.

“Your attention, please. Would the runners of 1600 metre race gather at the starting line now?” The announcement boomed from the speakers.

It was the last race of the day. A stone lodged in Pruveesh’s throat. It was his race. His heart palpitated fast. He could hardly contain his excitement. His bronze tanned skin shimmered under the scorching sun. It was now or never!

The runners took their positions. Andrew eyed Pruveesh suspiciously. He knew Pruveesh was known to be an up and coming athlete. “Loser,” Andrew mouthed his word as he glared at Pruveesh. His arrogance stank! Pruveesh chose to ignore him. He would prove him wrong. All these months of agonizing training would not come to nothing!

“On your mark, get set… bang!” The starter gun fired a deafening shot. It was so loud that Pruveesh’s ears ached momentously, ringing uncontrollably. Elation rushed through him. It was the moment that he had been waiting for. The runners hurtled forwards like cannon balls. Everyone took huge leaps forward, running at a phenomenal speed.

At first, Pruveesh was lagging behind. Determination swelled his heart. Pruveesh picked up speed and ran like there were no tomorrow. Surges of adrenalin swept through him. He took in big gulps of oxygen as he sprinted forward. His muscles ached and his soles burned. His heart felt as if it was going to explode. He was speeding like a demon and was truly unstoppable. One by one, Pruveesh zoomed past one runner after another.

The sight drew a chorus of astounded gasps.  The whole crowd went berserk. They all rose to their feet, cheering for Pruveesh. "Go Pruveesh, go!" the spectators chanted in unison. The scene that unfolded before their eyes was unbelievable. Pruveesh could not afford to disappoint them. He could not let himself down. He finally came neck and neck against Andrew. Taking huge leaps forward, he overtook him and sprinted even faster.  Andrew tried to catch up! No matter how hard he tried, he could not. Andrew knew he was going to be the loser in the run.

This surprising turn of events made the spectators gush in greater ecstasy.  They cheered even louder. Andrew was determined.  He was not contended with winning only by an inch. That would not suffice for him. It had to be a wide gap. He had to be a clear winner. It had to a new national record! Pruveesh’s heart pounded like drums as he sped forward. Perspiration trickled down his brows and splattered like a light drizzle. 

Snap! Pruveesh finally dashed across the finishing line amidst the cheers of the entire stadium. Everyone rose to their feet and clapped thunderously. It was a new national record! His determination paid off. Yes! He made it! He was the winner! Pruveesh let out whoops of triumph and his white teeth sparkled in the sunlight. His schoolmates dashed forward and lifted him overhead, celebrating his impressive victory. Pruveesh was indeed - the champion - of the inter-school sports meet! His determination had paid off beautifully.