My fingers tightened around the bar. Stuck handstands with flat hips and pointed toes, I could vaguely hear the exploding crowd as I circled the bar two and a half times gearing up for my dismount.
And then…
I let go.
Thirty-Five
The sudden silence from the crowd was thrilling. It was as if they held their breath with me. Slowly, like in slow motion, they came into view with every rotation and twist. They stood motionless as I squeezed my body and completed my last half twist. My heart spiraled as I descended and spotted the ground.
Feet together and knees slightly bent, I extended my arms in front of me and closed my eyes, knowing immediately how this would end.
Chalk floated up around my ankles as I squeezed every muscle to stick my dismount. The crowd erupted, breaking the quiet. I opened my eyes and raised my arms to salute the judges twice. My chest rose into the air as I dragged in a ragged breath, and I turned toward my team with a massive smile splayed across my face.
I knew in my heart that we had done it.
All three girls were waiting for me, jumping and chanting as I ran toward them with open arms. I was enveloped in group hugs and happy tears.
The four of us spoke at the same time, and we giggled.
"Do you think it's enough?"
"I'm going to be sick."
"What’s taking so long?"
Our questions and worries flew out of our mouths. We were currently holding first, but only by a thread. If I was given the full points for difficulty, my score would make it almost impossible for another team to beat us.
Tears streamed down my cheeks, and I held my breath, waiting, praying that we wouldn't get bumped to second. My score lit up the screen and my jaw dropped. Shock rendered me immobile.
I couldn't move. I was stunned, unable to do anything but stare and feel the chills wrack my arms. The fans exploded in a wild frenzy, and that got me in motion. My teammates and I hugged each other as happy tears fell down our cheeks. We were in a state of disbelief and total shock. Of course, we'd hoped and dreamed, but never imagined it would actually happen. It was absolute mania where we stood. The screen changed to show the current standings.
I blinked, and blinked, and blinked.
My jaw plummeted to the floor.
Team USA was in first place by a full three points now.
I looked around frantically, unable to control the abundance of feeling rushing through me. Happiness. Disbelief. Shock. My heart was in my throat. Cameras were everywhere. Their flashes reminded me of fireworks as excitement in the arena spread. There were still gymnasts who hadn't competed yet. The remaining teams were now fighting for silver and bronze, and they were aware of it. No team would be able to take the gold from USA.
I always thought the girls looked a little maniacal on television when they realized they'd won. Now I got it. This moment was worth every ounce of heartache I'd gone through. Whether it was from those I loved or due to my health, it was worth it.
I'd wanted this my whole life.
Gold. Team USA would win gold. I would win gold.
I held my chest. This wasn’t real. It was too good to be true. I tried to catch my breath and slow down my heartbeat when someone pulled me into a hug.
I didn't have to guess who it was. I knew the moment his hand touched me.
A smile spread across my lips. I threw my arms around his shoulders and jumped into him. My feet kicked up behind me as he snuggled me to his chest and hugged me tight. His happiness surrounded me.
Being in Kova's arms while Team USA took home gold was how it was meant to be.
My arms tightened around his shoulders, and my heart pounded so hard I was s
ure he could feel it against his chest. No one thought I'd make it this far, but he did. Reluctant at first, Kova was the only one who thought I had a fighting chance if I put the work into it. And I had.
My tears continued to flow as I cried in the curve of his shoulder. This moment was more than just winning gold.