How I developed a particular interest in sport.

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How I developed a particular interest in sport.

Monday the 17th of January 2000, 9.00am.

Yes, I can remember the day frightfully well, Cross-Country. I hadn’t done it before, but the thought of aimlessly running around in the penetrating cold with squelchy, wet through feet and being covered from head to toe in mud, left a lot to be desired. You may already have the impression I wasn’t particularly looking forward to it, but I thought I would try to be slightly open minded about it. I tried not to listen to the rumours, but that was virtually out of the question; regardless of how hard I tried to avoid them I couldn’t help hearing all the gory detail about just how awful this whole experience was going to be and in no time I was dreading it.

The excuses were already rolling in;

“I’ve forgotten my kit.”

“I’ve got a stomach ache.”

“I fell over my dog and twisted my ankle.”

The list was never ending and in the end half the year happened to be either away or ‘incompetent of participating.’

There was talk of hiding behind the tennis courts and joining in again on the second lap round, I’ll admit it did sound inviting at that moment in time, but I thought I would prefer to even come last than cheat.

We we’re then all lined up, elbows were out at the ready to make a break threw, it was a gun start and I jumped with anxiety before I began to start running.

The race had begun, I was so relieved. I couldn’t wait to get started; my knees had turned a colourful purple shade and I thought my teeth would all drop out they were chattering so much.

About ten people had raced on ahead, all bar one lasted approximately fifteen seconds before they were out of breath and uncontrollably puffing and panting. In contrast there were also about ten people still near the starting line refusing to run and having a tantrum because they couldn’t get out of it. And then there was me, somewhere in the middle. I don’t know what made me do it, perhaps it was the so cold I just wanted to get a move on or maybe because I wanted to get it over and done with faster, but I broke away from the crowd and begun to accelerate.

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It wasn’t until I heard my teacher shouting encouragement that I realised I was ahead. It all seemed like a bit of a blur, but I was actually enjoying it. Even though it was a harsh climate it felt so refreshing against my cheeks. I could see there was about four people about 30 metres in front of me and one person way out in front.

All I can remember thinking is if I keep going I could come in the top five, and the thought of that was overwhelming. This kept me motivated until something happened ...

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