I was still in middle school at the time. Ive always admired the runners I see on the television during the Olympics, and in my mind getting on that track would give me a feeling that I belonged here and would show my talent. I still remember the feeling I had on my way to the event. I was extremely excited, but I couldnt shake the feeling of these butterflies in my stomach and the feeling that if I didnt win I wouldnt be accepted by anyone. I still remember the feeling of pure exhilaration and anxiousness I had felt simultaneously. I remember what felt like crowds of people watching, I felt like the worldΒs eyes were on me. I didnt really socialize before the race, I came to handle my business and prove myself. I still remember getting down in my starting pose and being so nervous that I thought I wouldnt be able to move. The weight I felt over me felt as if I had two ginormous cinder blocks on each side holding me down. However, as soon as we were told to go, my legs and arms just began to move on their own, I wasnt even aware that the race had started for a few seconds. What was nervousness became pure euphoria. I was no longer worried about w
ho was in front of me or behind me, I was doing this for myself now. I crossed that finish line with the conviction that no matter if I wasnt first I still mattered. I wouldnt break out and become a sore loser. I would salute the boy that came in number and knowing that there was still room to grow and become number drove me further and further.
This track is where I realized I have boundless capabilities as a human. Some days, the air is humid and unbelievably hot, and surviving practice seems like an unachievable goal. On other days, the coolness strips my esophagus dry. Through shin splints, aches, and unfavorable weather, I developed the most important qualities that I had lacked throughout my life Β confidence and determination. I started to become aware and proud of what my body was capable of doing. Every day I am faced with challenges and every day I take on those challenges with the courage and dedication I developed from the middle school track. I have become determined to become a better person than I have ever been before and I believe that I can walk down my path and take on the challenge of anything that comes my way in the future.