Yep, it's that time folks… the finals of the 100-word sprint challenge, hosted by fighterwriter, J.C.Martin.
For the final, the finalists have to write a 100-word story (not including title and prompt), that starts with the prompt:
“The finish line beckoned…”
This time, finalists will e-mail the links to their stories to me by Friday 24th. This time though, their entries will be up for the public vote till Wednesday 29th August, and a winner will be announced on the last day of the tour, the Closing Ceremony on August 30th!
* * * * *
The finish line beckoned… a mental switch activated, unleashing a kaleidoscope of memories in his mind's eye, like scenes from a movie, the camera rolling on…
Frame one: the ten year old gazed with pride at his brand new pair of running shoes.
Frame two: echoes of a hundred voices vied for prime position in the chambers of his mind; a cacophony of taunts, cheers, praises…
Frame three: it's yours son, his mother's voice came back loud and clear, but how badly do you want it?
It was a jaw-dropping victory.
Indescribable.
A photo finish.
The athletic world had never witnessed anything like it.
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds like an amazing athlete! When you want something bad enough, nothing can stop you. (:
Always enjoy a victory story!
Awesome story. I love the character's flashbacks just as he's winning the race!
@Elise ~ Absolutely! I agree… a testimony to the amazing human spirit…
@Alex ~ I believe there's a champion lurking in everybody…
@Golden Eagle ~ I've always wondered what's uppermost in an athlete's mind at this point…
I love the frames. I was there at every step.
You really started the race off with a bang! I also liked how you divided it up into frames or snapshots. Written like a true champion!
Starts with a bang. I like the way you have broken it up into different scenes /frames. Its wonderful, Michelle.
@Medeia ~ I'm glad you were caught up in the moment…
@Julie ~ Ah, you are too kind – thank you for cheering me on and supporting my race…
@Rachna ~ Thank you so much!
So much going through his mind at the start to take him toward victory. Well done.
This is a fun piece. Had me hooked, running along with the MC.
I could picture one of the numerable athkletes specially from third world countries go through this well described everlasting moment of glory. Enjoy your weekend.
@Joy ~ Yes, flashbacks of defining moments in his career…
@Madeleine ~ I hope you enjoyed the sprint…
@Rekha ~ Especially those who come from poor socio-economic backgrounds… you are so right…
Cool. I could see this playing in my mind.
I love the drama and determination you put in this.
(It's weird that it put me in mind of Lance Armstrong 'cause I just read an article about his wins being taken away — too sad.)
Very nice. I felt like the cameraman videoing the race as I read it.
I hope your entry wins!
@Carol ~ I always get excited when somebody can visualize the piece. That's great.
@Lexa ~ I was speechless when I heard about that… so sad… I'm not sure of all the details…
@Emily ~ Thanks! From the camera man perspective, I hope you had an exciting view…
I remember my days of running. Never won though!
I like how you divided it into three frames. I can just picture the action!
Look forward to reading some of these
@L.Diane ~ At least you experienced the feeling/adrenaline rush… I'm not a sporty type, at all…
@Sherry ~ I tried to highlight significant events linked to his career…
@Charmaine ~ And I look forward to churning out more of these – thanks so much!
Sounds triumphant! Love it.
Thanks Ciara!
Aww, I can taste the triumph, Michelle! Very apt with all the paralympics on at the moment. Well done for getting so much into 100 words