The Olympic Roads

Dreams

Dreams

The team arrived at Crystal Palace full of optimism, thanks to James' team talk. The atmosphere was exciting but tense at the same time. 

But that didn't faze anyone even slightly. 

"So, this is what an athletics stadium will be like next summer." Jamie had never been to an athletics stadium before. 

"Yes but next summer, picture something similar with double the people in the stands." James was full of hope for the team. He couldn't wait for the main event. 

The 100 metres. 

While the team were waiting, they got themselves warmed up and stretched off and Nicholas stayed with Boeing and James. 

After a moderate 30 minutes of warming up and stretching, everyone was ready for the trials but before they could relax... 

"Could all the relay teams competing for Great Britain please make their way to the starting officials at the end of the 100 metre straight. Thank you." 

"That's us guys, seconds out, round one. Do your best guys and go for it." James was full of confidence that the team would qualify for the relay. 

"Who's running what leg guys?" Jason asked. 

"Dale's running the first leg, Jamie runs second then he passes onto Jason and then I run the last leg." Sonic replied and the team took their places for the relay. 

"Runners, take your marks," The starting marshal gave staring orders to the teams that would be trying to qualify for the relay at the Olympics. "Set." 

The starting gun then went off and Dale got off to a strong start. 

He passed the baton onto Jamie who extended the lead for his team. 

Then Jason started his leg and the lead extended even further. 

Sonic started the final leg of the relay and he ran like the wind. He managed to finish what felt like a country mile ahead of the other teams. 

The team qualified for the Olympic relay.

The 200 metres was the next event and the team succeeded in that event as well. 

Later that day, Boeing spoke to everyone in the stadium. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to thank everyone for supporting our athletes today. Also a big thank you to the coaches and officials for helping out with the events. And finally, a massive thanks to the athletes who participated today and good luck to the athletes who qualified for next summer's Olympics. Now it's time for our main event, the running of the men's 100 metres. It's been a successful day for our athletes and I'd like to wish them all the best for next summer and a reminder about this final event that the top 4 finishers will be one step closer to represent Great Britain at forthcoming Summer Olympics here in London." 

"This is it guys, our time to shine." Sonic was waiting for this event all day. 

This was the event that made Comet and Boeing household names in athletics so Sonic had a lot to live up to. 

"Runners, take your marks." Boeing was going to start the race. 

"This is it, no turning back now." Sonic said to himself as he prepared for the biggest race of his life...so far. 

"Set." And Boeing fired the starting gun. 

Sonic got a flying start and was stretching his lead with every stride he took. 

Jason and Jamie weren't too far behind and Dale wasn't far behind them. 

When Sonic crossed the line with the rest of his team behind him, he knew that they were on step closer to qualifying for the Olympic Games in all three of their events. 

The 100 metres, 200 metres and 4 by 100 metre relay.

Sometime after the try-outs finished, James went to congratulate his athletes. "Well done guys. I'm so proud of the four of you." 

"It was that team talk you gave us this morning that helped," Dale said. "Everyone was asking me who I was with today and I said 'Just some friends and my coach.' They were really friendly and wished me all the best for next summer." 

"That's good. At least you're starting to build your confidence. Jason, Jamie, great job on the changeovers in the relay. And Sonic, you were phenomenal today. You lived up to your family name and you are going to continue the athletics tradition that runs in the family. I hope you all do very well next summer. You guys go get some rest now. You thoroughly deserve it." And with that, Sonic, Jason, Jamie, Dale and Nicholas all went back home to get a well-earned rest after a very busy day. 

"Just you and me now James." Boeing went to the stands where James was. 

"They are something special. You've coached your son very well Boeing. Congratulations on that. I hope he does well as leader of the relay team." 

"I'm sure he'll be fine. He's been brilliant and always finds something to talk about with me at home. I'll be honest James; he's going to be a great champion one day." 

"He might even win at the Olympics." 

"Who knows? I'll see you soon James." They shook hands, went their separate ways and headed home.