Weights & Whips

Chapter 14

I'm standing in line at the trophy ceremony. The crowd is screaming and cheering, and there is loud music blaring in the stadium and strobe lights dancing across the air. I should be filled with joy, I should be counting down the seconds until I receive my trophy. But today hasn't gone to plan. I was doing so well, up until atlas stones everything was clockwork, I reached all my goals and I was racking up points. On my 5th rep of stone to shoulder, the clockwork stopped. I heard it. I felt it. I saw it. Searing pain shot through my shoulder and down my arm. My arm went slack beyond my control. I had no way of controlling the stone as it went crashing to the ground, hitting my knee and landing on my foot with a sickening crunch.

I was so confident I was winning today, but instead hear I stand, arm in a sling, knee and foot bandaged, gripping onto the crutch for dear life. I have no idea where I placed. I didn't get to see the others doing the stones. I know I was ahead on points earlier, but will 4 reps and high points earlier keep me in the lead? My friends are already backstage waiting, other than Leo who is now gracing the stage to accept his first place trophy. I cheer for him as he does. However, clapping isn't possible for me right now. As soon as we are done here, I'm going to the hospital to see how much damage I've done. I have a sinking feeling in my stomach, and I don't think it will be good news.

The announcer starts the women's trophy ceremony with a greeting before announcing the placement starting at last place. The anxiety builds as he starts to rattle off the names of competitors, allowing them time between each name to step onto the stage and claim a small medal. 15 competitors, 3 make it to the winners platform. Every time I hear a name called my anxiety lessens. The more name, the closer I get to my chance on the winners platform. When I heard 4th place be called, I exhaled a breath I didn't know I was holding. I've made it to the platform.

I sneak a glance at Leo across the room, to see him beaming at me as we meet eyes. His confidence in me is reassuring. I'm proud that even with the injury, I have placed top 3, but I'm terrified to find out what the injury means for me going forward. Will I need time off work and training? Will I need surgery? Will I.... be able to compete again?

The thought takes over my brain, the anxiety building at an alarming rate, I can hear the world around me, but I'm no longer in it. I'm suffocating at the thought of not reaching my dreams. Tears dampen my eyes as I lower them to the floor. I need to get this out of my head, I need to be present in the room. I need to hold my head high.

Leo's face comes into view as he lifts my chin with his knuckle. "Deep breath baby, you're OK, you can do this. Here, let me help you up, " he whispers. Up? Up where? Leo was across the room a second ago. How did he get here so fast? My mind races as he places his arms behind my knees and back as he lifts me bridal style and starts walking. "Up where? How long did I zone out?" I whisper in his ear. "The stage baby, did you not hear your name be called?"

My head spins toward the stage, and I spot two people already on the podium. Only 1st place slot is empty. I did it! Injury, be damned I did it. The noise of the room returns to me as Leo places me on the winners' podium. The cheers are deafening, I take a moment to slowly look around the room, taking in the glory. Fans cheer, staff clapping wildly, competitors chanting win or die. This is my moment.

I look down to Leo and see his eyes shining at me, pride written across his face, one hand still holding my hip as he steadies me as he says "I'm so proud of you baby. So, so proud. I'm going to let you go now so I can help you lift the trophy, then it's straight backstage, into a wheelchair and we're going to the hospital. I got you, baby girl. I got you." My face breaks out in a massive smile, and I give him a nod. Before I know it, I'm lifting the giant trophy with one hand, as Leo lifts the other side for me. Cameras are flashing, and everyone is going wild. I bask in the moment before lowing it as Leo whisks me and the trophy away.

Backstage, my friends are waiting, Harry pushing a wheelchair towards me, Axel carrying my bag, Sandra stood alongside them clapping as they chant win or die. After a moment of celebrating, I'm taken to the car and placed inside. Sandra is going to go with Leo and meet us at home, Axel and Harry insisted on staying at the hospital with me.

By the time all the scans and tests are done, it feels like I've been sitting in this hospital bed for days. We are waiting for the doctor to visit with the verdict and treatment plan. I've been given so many painkillers that I feel like I'm floating. The doctor enters with a knock, followed by two more doctors. This can't be a good sign. The room is in slow motion as he talks to me, I hear everything he says, but nothing is processing. A few words stand out as if they alone were drilled into my ears. As the world shuts down and turns black. As I lose consciousness.

Blood loss..

Surgery..

Limitations..

Disabled..