Continuous Writing (Picture)- Sports Day

Tom could hear his heart pounding fast in his chest. He drew in a deep breath to calm down. He had been waiting for this day to arrive - the day which he could challenge top athletes from other schools, the day which he could challenge himself, his greatest rival.

The stadium was pulsating with excitement. The spectators cheered and clapped wildly when the names of their school athletes were announced. "Lane 4, Tom Lim from Stanfeld Primary School," the announcer's voice blasted through the speakers. Tom's supporters went into a frenzy of excitement. Many stood up and waved vigorously at him. Some whistled and yelled at the top of their lungs.

At the start line, Tom got into position, his heart hammering harder. He must not let his school down. He must not let himself down after many months of training. Eyes fixed at the finish line a hundred metres away, he waited in anticipation for the starter's cue. The cheers grew louder, but he did not hear them. He was in full concentration. A bead of perspiration dripped from his forehead to the ground.

"Bang!" went the starter's gun. All the athletes took off like jet fighters. Tom's strides were long and powerful. All the athletes were running neck and neck. Tom's strength and speed built up with each stride and was taking the lead at the 50m mark. The athletes second and third in position were trailing very close behind. Tom gritted his teeth. He pushed himself harder, swinging his arms more forcefully to propel his body forward. "Just a few more strides to go," he urged himself on in his mind.

The spectators cheered and their excitement reached the peak when they saw the athlete fourth in position gaining on speed, threatening to overtake the runners ahead of him. Just as he was a hairline away, he suddenly lost his balance and tumbled forward. He landed on the runner in front of him who in turn fell on the one ahead like dominoes.

Tom heard a few thuds in quick succession behind him. The roaring of the spectators turned into gasps of shock and disbelief. Tom, however, did not look back. He sprinted his way to victory with two hands raised in the air.

Behind him came the rest one after another. The three who fell somehow managed to pick themselves and hobbled past the finish line. And now, the spectators roared to the true spirit of sportsmanship and vibrated the whole stadium. Tom applauded for them and rendered help.

It was a race of double celebration with a new national record and true sportsmanship.