"Do what you like and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
~ Dr. Suess

Monday, November 12, 2012

Athletics


Athletics.

A light drizzle of rain sprinkled down from the sky, putting little droplets of water on our clothes. I looked up at the dull, grey sky. What a great day for Athletics!
My first event was long jump, I waited in the line as the 12+ girls in front of me had their turn. When it was my go, I took a long, deep breath, ran up to the sandpit as fast as I could go, then at the mat, I leapt off like I was the final act in a ballet dance, and flew through the air. I landed on two feet, and I fell forward, my hands feeling the moist, hard sand.
"Nice jump!" I heard Mrs Barker say, as I got up. "3.83" She said.
'Yes! My best jump so far!' I said in my head. My heart was jumping and dancing around happily.
Next I had shotput, an event I was never good at. Once again, I waited in line, and at my turn, I picked up the extra-heavy shot-put ball, and held it up to my neck. I side stept forward a bit, then threw the ball as far as I could. It wasn't too bad- 4.40. My other two throws were 4.30 and 4.11.
Afterwards was my favourite event- sprints! We started with the 80m heats, I was extraordinarily nervous as I waited.
"Take your mark." Mr Fraser called, we walked up to the line.
"Get set" Some of us crouched, I just bent down a little.
And the the he clapped the clapper.
I ran as fast as I could, as fast as I have ever gone before. I looked directly at the finish line, thinking of nothing but the race.
It was close between Yvonne, Isabella and I, but I got 4th or 5th, but I still made it to the finals!
In the 80m finals, I was more nervous than before, because I was competing against some of the fastest girls in the school!
The clapper went again, and I sprinted, possibly harder then before, I had to get into the top six to go to Hauraki Plains. I was lucky enough, because I got 6th!

Then it was the 800m, which I'm not that good at as I am better at Sprints, I think.  I ended up coming 7th.
Last was the 200m sprints. Once again, I was nervous, the clapper went and sprinted, past everyone, but I could still feel Courtney and Kennidy catching up to me. I sprinted harder, and to my surprise- I got 1st!!
In the finals, I got 5th, so I made it to Hauraki Plains for that event!
As it was a wet and rainy day, High jump was post-poned until the next day. I was surprised and proud of myself  because I made it past 1 metre, and I didn't last time we practiced  I didn't get into the top 3 though.

It was a really fun day, even though the weather was miserable, and I can't wait until Hauraki Plains!

3 comments:

  1. Great post Sophie!!! I could imagine all of it in my head!! The whole way through. Great description.

    I get nervous before every race as well.

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  2. Great writing, Sophie. Also congratulations on some great results too. :)

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