500 Words 2024/25: read a finalist's story from the 8-11 category

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This story was chosen as a top 50 finalist for 500 Words 2024/25.

Remember, spelling, punctuation and grammar are not taken into account for a 500 Words story, therefore all the top 50 stories have been published how they were submitted.

Follow Your Dreams by Mia P.

3… 2… 1… GO!

These were the words I heard before the biggest tragedy of my life. I set off speeding past the other racers. I was sprinting past a curve when a body slammed into me. I was ejected into the barriers. My thoughts were crazed: What's going on? What happened? I thought in a moment of pure panic, that was until I saw the opposing racer smirking cruelly at me. A wave of betrayal and disbelief crashed over me. That was my friend, why would they do this to me? Then I focus on the race happening before me, the Olympics, my chance to win ripped away. I struggle to my feet and suddenly a jolt of pain drags me down to the rubbery floor. I look down at where the pain erupted from and see my legs, the ones I used to run in the Olympics with, the ones now swollen, bruised and aching making it impossible to stand. The pain is blowing dots in my vision, and suddenly, I'm being rushed to the hospital. The dots are getting larger until I black out. When I awake I get devastating news. The trauma to my legs was extreme. They were unable to save them. I'm jolted back to reality with a sudden realisation and ask with as much strength as I can muster "Am I able to go back to the Olympics?!". My heart skyrockets downwards when I hear their one worded response "no".

I got discharged from the hospital hours ago, but I can still feel the pain and sadness lingering inside me. No longer able to run again. I'm scouring the Internet for anything to take my mind off the state I'm in when I stumble across a word that erases any sadness I may have felt - the Paralympics. This seemingly simple word could change my life. I started training as soon as the doctors deemed it safe. My trainer was an amazing lady named Mary. I also had others join me. I loved it. The adrenaline pulsed through my veins each time I heard the familiar sound of my wheelchair against the rough tarmac. After four years of recovery and dedicated training I was finally able to compete in the Paralympics. Before I knew it, I was at the racing line in front of millions of eager eyes, then I hear a familiar phrase "3… 2… 1… GO!" The last time I heard those words my career ended, now they begin my new paralympic dream. I'm rushing past the other racers I've never gone faster. I don't break my wall of concentration, until I hear the audience erupt into applause. That's when I realize, I've won!!! Before I know it, a gold medal is being placed over my head. The crowd is still cheering. I had never experienced such pure joy and accomplishment before that moment. That was over 3 years ago, now I teach others how they too, can become Paralympic Champions.

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