This short story was written in response to Fandango’s One Word Challenge. 

Today’s word is: Positive…

Some say one of the key elements to being an athlete is to be positive. There’s the endless hours of training, the fastidious attention to nutrition, the dedication. But having that ability to stare down adversity when you’re in the middle of a losing streak, to remain positive when all the odds are stacked against you, is an essential ingredient in following the recipe to becoming a champion. 

Former champion sprinter Gavin had this. He was a burning ball of positivity. Always sure of himself when the chips were down. He had the mindset to separate himself, and all the tools in the box to place him at the top of the podium. 

The 100 metres sprint was about to start and all the sprinters took to the start line. They bounced effortlessly to shake out any tension and performed last minute stretches. As they were announced, some waved to the crowd while others remained focussed on the track in front of them, their eyes zoned in on the terracotta coloured stretch of glory, unwavering as they stepped toward the starting blocks. Gavin tightened up in anticipation. 

The starter’s pistol fired. A furious flurry of fast twitching muscles, pounding hearts and desire, and all over in a shade over ten seconds. Arms of victory were raised. Overhead clapping and pointing to the crowd ensued, and the gentle victory jog around the track was accompanied by big smiles and plenty of waving to the camera.

Gavin turned off the TV and opened the fridge. He scratched his belly as he took out another cold brew, glugging down a couple of mouthfuls before he’d even closed the the door. 

“That’ll be me next year.” he announced, vacantly pointing at the black screen of the TV, “No doubt.”