Post by veronasage on May 10, 2006 19:26:46 GMT -5
Authors Note: How long was I way? Hahaha... Sorry about the long delay. The quarter system in college can get a little hectic, especially when it comes down to midterm week. But fear not chapter 15 if finally here. Thank you for waiting so patiently. Kind of short but hey, better than nothing.
Chapter 15
“Are you ready Apolo?” I turned to my coach and nodded my head. “Just answer their questions as best as you can. You know how these works.” I took a step onto the stage and sat down in front of the many reporters that had their cameras and poised their pens prepared to write.
“So Apolo what exactly happened in the 1500 meter semi-final?” Here we go. It’s in the past Apolo, just tell it like it is.
“Well at the time I wasn’t too sure what happened but after reviewing the tapes I realized my left hand had touched the Chinese skaters blade and then while I was trying to steady myself my hand hit a block and that’s what really stopped my speed.”
“But Apolo you were already in qualifying position, why make that move?” I sighed.
“You can never be too sure how far behind the next skater is. But you know, it was a poorly made decision on my part, I don’t know exactly why I did it other then I did and I can’t really do anything about it now so it’s just best to move on.” I wrung my hands together, the lights were so bright.
“Does this put any doubt in your mind for the next few races you have in Torino?”
“I try not to think about it, I try to think as positively as I can. But I know that all it takes is that one little seed of doubt and it can destroy you but I’ve gotten a lot of support from my dad, the team, friends back home so I know I’ll be okay.”
“So do you have any afterthoughts about the race?”
“It’s definitely bittersweet. You know I was really looking forward to defending my gold medal and bringing it home for the U.S. but it’s just been unfortunate. Cause I didn’t even get a chance. So it’s been a tough couple of days but all I can do is look forward and just try my best in the other events that I have. I still have three more opportunities to medal so all I can do is just go from there. Thank you.” I walked out of the conference room feeling relieved. It’s over, I can concentrate on my skating now. But first…
I walked into the stadium and looked around. It was slowly filling up with an audience. I walked down the many stairs and made my way into the warm up room. I could see all the women warming up for the upcoming 500 meter semi-final and final. I spotted her, she was on the bike listening to her music. She spotted me at the entrance and she smiled. Danni got off of her bike and was walking towards me when she abruptly stopped and turned around it was then when I realized Allison standing in front of me.
“Allison!” I quickly looked up and Danni was back on the bike looking down. I grimaced not quite happy with the situation.
“Apolo I didn’t think you were going to make it.” She wrapped her arms around me and all I could do was do the same. “Thanks so much for coming.”
“No problem. I wanted to wish you luck.” It’s sad how Allison never really crossed your mind Apolo. You came here to see Danni, what are you doing to Allison.
“You think I’ll do well.”
“Hey, don’t doubt yourself. You made it this far, you’ll do just fine.” Her smile faltered.
“Okay ladies…Apolo? You shouldn’t be back here. They’re about to race. I’ll need you to leave.” What? Leave? I needed to talk to Danni before her race. I needed to wish her luck.
“But…”
“No buts come on Apolo.”
“Coach wait, I need…”
“You’ll see them after the race now get out.” He started pushing me towards the door. I looked to see Danni staring at me. She immediately looked away as the door was shut in my face. I felt guilty being unable to speak to her. I made my way into the stands to watch the race, I actually felt more nervous for her than I did for myself. After all, this would be her first Olympic final.
“Now the 500 meter is about to take place and the favorite in this event is Yang Yang of China who is coming in here to defend her Gold medal from the Salt Lake games. This is her best event but of course she has very strong competitors as well with two South Korean skaters. The best hope for the U.S. is newcomer Danni Lee. Now Danni just started training very recently at the Colorado Spring Olympic Training Center and is coming in as the reigning World Champion. She’s 22 years old and from what I hear she’s very fast and we’ll see if she truly is the fastest after this final which should be over in 90 seconds.”
I watched as each of the skaters made their way onto the ice. I couldn’t see the expression on her face but I could only imagine what she was feeling but I felt a sense of worry as I noticed her take lane five and of course Allison got lane two. She’s fast enough Apolo.
“In lane five representing the United States of America, Danni Lee.” The cheers rose from the stadium as Danni took her place. It wasn’t long before it grew silent.
“Ready.” The next thing I knew only two people made it off the line. It was a false start. I got even more tense as I realized who had false started…Danni. “False start on Danni Lee.” I felt completely helpless as I watched Danni hunched over trying to collect herself. Come on, you can do it Danni. Stay focused, concentrate.
“Ready.”
Authors Note: Okay guys. I hope it didn't dissapoint I know how long you've all waited. It's hard to stay focused on Apolo when I'm being inspired to write other stories. Ever since I watched Friday Night Lights my mind has been wandering
please don't hate me!! I love all of you and I shall try my hardest to post chapter 16 as soon as I can! You know what to do!
Chapter 15
“Are you ready Apolo?” I turned to my coach and nodded my head. “Just answer their questions as best as you can. You know how these works.” I took a step onto the stage and sat down in front of the many reporters that had their cameras and poised their pens prepared to write.
“So Apolo what exactly happened in the 1500 meter semi-final?” Here we go. It’s in the past Apolo, just tell it like it is.
“Well at the time I wasn’t too sure what happened but after reviewing the tapes I realized my left hand had touched the Chinese skaters blade and then while I was trying to steady myself my hand hit a block and that’s what really stopped my speed.”
“But Apolo you were already in qualifying position, why make that move?” I sighed.
“You can never be too sure how far behind the next skater is. But you know, it was a poorly made decision on my part, I don’t know exactly why I did it other then I did and I can’t really do anything about it now so it’s just best to move on.” I wrung my hands together, the lights were so bright.
“Does this put any doubt in your mind for the next few races you have in Torino?”
“I try not to think about it, I try to think as positively as I can. But I know that all it takes is that one little seed of doubt and it can destroy you but I’ve gotten a lot of support from my dad, the team, friends back home so I know I’ll be okay.”
“So do you have any afterthoughts about the race?”
“It’s definitely bittersweet. You know I was really looking forward to defending my gold medal and bringing it home for the U.S. but it’s just been unfortunate. Cause I didn’t even get a chance. So it’s been a tough couple of days but all I can do is look forward and just try my best in the other events that I have. I still have three more opportunities to medal so all I can do is just go from there. Thank you.” I walked out of the conference room feeling relieved. It’s over, I can concentrate on my skating now. But first…
I walked into the stadium and looked around. It was slowly filling up with an audience. I walked down the many stairs and made my way into the warm up room. I could see all the women warming up for the upcoming 500 meter semi-final and final. I spotted her, she was on the bike listening to her music. She spotted me at the entrance and she smiled. Danni got off of her bike and was walking towards me when she abruptly stopped and turned around it was then when I realized Allison standing in front of me.
“Allison!” I quickly looked up and Danni was back on the bike looking down. I grimaced not quite happy with the situation.
“Apolo I didn’t think you were going to make it.” She wrapped her arms around me and all I could do was do the same. “Thanks so much for coming.”
“No problem. I wanted to wish you luck.” It’s sad how Allison never really crossed your mind Apolo. You came here to see Danni, what are you doing to Allison.
“You think I’ll do well.”
“Hey, don’t doubt yourself. You made it this far, you’ll do just fine.” Her smile faltered.
“Okay ladies…Apolo? You shouldn’t be back here. They’re about to race. I’ll need you to leave.” What? Leave? I needed to talk to Danni before her race. I needed to wish her luck.
“But…”
“No buts come on Apolo.”
“Coach wait, I need…”
“You’ll see them after the race now get out.” He started pushing me towards the door. I looked to see Danni staring at me. She immediately looked away as the door was shut in my face. I felt guilty being unable to speak to her. I made my way into the stands to watch the race, I actually felt more nervous for her than I did for myself. After all, this would be her first Olympic final.
“Now the 500 meter is about to take place and the favorite in this event is Yang Yang of China who is coming in here to defend her Gold medal from the Salt Lake games. This is her best event but of course she has very strong competitors as well with two South Korean skaters. The best hope for the U.S. is newcomer Danni Lee. Now Danni just started training very recently at the Colorado Spring Olympic Training Center and is coming in as the reigning World Champion. She’s 22 years old and from what I hear she’s very fast and we’ll see if she truly is the fastest after this final which should be over in 90 seconds.”
I watched as each of the skaters made their way onto the ice. I couldn’t see the expression on her face but I could only imagine what she was feeling but I felt a sense of worry as I noticed her take lane five and of course Allison got lane two. She’s fast enough Apolo.
“In lane five representing the United States of America, Danni Lee.” The cheers rose from the stadium as Danni took her place. It wasn’t long before it grew silent.
“Ready.” The next thing I knew only two people made it off the line. It was a false start. I got even more tense as I realized who had false started…Danni. “False start on Danni Lee.” I felt completely helpless as I watched Danni hunched over trying to collect herself. Come on, you can do it Danni. Stay focused, concentrate.
“Ready.”
Authors Note: Okay guys. I hope it didn't dissapoint I know how long you've all waited. It's hard to stay focused on Apolo when I'm being inspired to write other stories. Ever since I watched Friday Night Lights my mind has been wandering
please don't hate me!! I love all of you and I shall try my hardest to post chapter 16 as soon as I can! You know what to do!
we don't hate you....school keeps students busy. I don't mind waiting to read the next chap. this is a very good story....
Versonage, I'll wait patiently for the next chapter. 
