The five of us had put in a lot of effort for the 4x100 meters relay event. We had been practicing twice every day for the past six months. We had also gone on a special diet that kept us fit and healthy. I was the reserve in the team. However, two days before sports day, my team mate, micheal, fractured his left leg and I had to take his place. Although I felt sad that he had to give up the opportunity to represent our club, I was happily to be given the chance to participate in the event. This was even more exciting for me because I would be running the final leg of the team event.

 

Just before the event started, the eight teams that represented the sports clubs in this region gathered at the starting point. We warmed up for the race. The chief judge briefed us on the rules and directed the teams to their respective lanes. My team was in lane three.

 

We took out positions and waited for the race to begin. I was nervous but calmed myself by recalling what we did when we trained. I knew that everything would be over in minutes. Then I heard the race official shout, on your mark At once, I cleared my mind of all anxiety and focused on the race.

 

Get set said the official. Silence fell. Then the official fired the gun the sight of four runners, each with a baton in one hand, sprinting towards their team mates was mesmerizing. Batons were transferred smoothly at the 100-metre mark. From where I stood, I could see that the teams in lanes one and five were leading the race.Again, batons changed hands, Then, finally, it was time for me to contribute to the efforts of my team. M team-mate approached me. I saw him holding out the baton as if he were moving in slow motion. I wrapped my fingers around the baton and felt the familiar weight shift to my hand.