Olympic Conquest

Lainey - Rivals

I arrive at the Olympic Games as an NBC commentator. My schedule is just as jam packed as when I was a competitor – maybe even more so. I give multiple interviews each day and commentate on a number of skating events. It's interesting to experience the competition from a completely different vantage point. At times, I wish I were skating in the Games but I'm finding it really fascinating to be able to analyze the skating of my former competitors. I wish I knew this much about them when I was challenging them for gold.

On the night of the ladies' short program, I enter the ice arena. There's a palpable excitement in the air. Instead of heading behind the scenes like I used to as a skater, I head toward the media circus. On the way, I see Nate – he's now a sought-after coach and is guiding one of the favorite U.S. skaters to a medal. While I'm happy to be a commentator, I miss the adrenaline rush of competition.

"Nate, we both made it to the Olympics." We smile at each other and Nate pulls me in for a hug.

"Not quite how we expected but I'm glad we're both here," he says.

"Did I ever thank you?" I ask as I step back and look him in the eye.

"For what?"

"You really helped me through a tough time. I owe you so much."

"You did the same for me so we're even I think."

"You took a chance on me when no one else would. I'll never forget what you did."

"I just got to you before anyone else could. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for. Many would have given up long before you showed up at my rink."

"Your rink?"

"It is now."

"Really? You're the owner?"

"That's me."

"What happened to Martha?"

"She retired and moved to Hawaii."

"Ha! Good for her." I laugh as I think about spunky Martha. She was another person who took a chance on me.

"And I got married."

"Married?! What about Maria?"

He points to a beautiful, petite woman about his age. She's intently watching the skaters.

"Nate! Oh my gosh! That is Maria. How and when did you reunite with her?"

"She heard about me working with you and she got jealous of me working with such a beautiful woman."

"Oh stop! Well, however you did it, I'm happy for you."

I give Nate another hug. "Be good. And I hope to meet Maria soon."

"You will. "

My spirits are riding high having seen Nate and Maria together again. True love always prevails.

One my way to the commentary booth, I see my former skating rival Anna. She looks nervous. Just a couple of years ago, Anna and I would have ignored each other as best we could. We both knew the world had its eyes on the two of us, wondering who would prevail. It was intense pressure on us both. The only way we could get through it was to avoid each other. But today, our rivalry is behind us. I decide to put the feelings of the past aside and say hello.

"Excuse me Anna." She looks up. "I wanted to wish you luck today. I'll miss being out there with you. You were always the one who made me want to skate my best."

"Thank you Lainey. I feel the same. There's no one else quite like you."

"I hope that's a compliment." It's quite possible she could be carrying a grudge as there were many times she and I said terrible things about each other in the press.

"You kept it interesting."

"As did you. You looked good in practice," I tell her.

"Thank you, but I'm feeling old. Lots of aches and pains, you know?"

"Oh I know."

"Please keep this between me and you. But this may be my last performance."

"Really? Excuse my surprise but I never thought you would ever stop skating. You always seemed unstoppable."

"I can't skate forever. You know that more than anyone else. And I'm ready to start a family," she whispers and shows me her wedding ring. "It's been two months." She nods toward Nate. "Nafan and Maria getting back together inspired me. You didn't hear this from me, but the Russian team couldn't be happier for them."

"Love wins, right?"

"Vsegda." Or always.