Medals for the Water

Chapter 2

I was riding with my parents in their SUV on the way to the school's fields. Along the roads of Denver were signs supporting me in the upcoming Olympics. When I see billboards with my name and picture on them I immediately feel proud and accomplished.

"Hon, did you hear me?" Returning to reality from my daydream. I look towards the passenger seat at my mom waiting for my response.

"Uh... no sorry, say again?"

"I asked you if you're packed and ready for London?" Mom asked for the second time.

"You only have 2 days until your plane leaves." My dad sounded enthusiastic. I glanced to my right at my brother who was on his iphone rolling his eyes.

"Ready as I will every be." I am not nervous, amazingly, but more excited than anything.

"We are so proud of you. You will do great. All these years you trained for this." My mom smiled and nodded.

"Yea, I mean it is a big deal. It's just I can't believe it." I almost cried at that very moment.

"Oh suck it up. Its not a big deal just the Olympics." My brother just rolled his eyes again and turned back to his phone. What does he know about the Olympics? Does he have any clue how much I worked to get here? Hours of practice. Endless nights. Missing School. Baseball and football are nothing. But training for the Olympics and the pressure at the pre-Olympics is unbelievable. I slapped him on the shoulder.

"Shut up. You have now clue how hard I have worked. You know nothing. You just jealous because the next month or so, I will be center of attention. Have you won 18 gold medals in the World Championships? Have you set 2 world records? Didn't think so. I am freakin the youngest athlete on the team. Try that! What's your time? Can you even swim 50 meters? Shut Up and mind your own business, nothing you say is encouraging." I was out of breath and this sure got his attention.

He looked at me and simply sad, "I am sorry. I guess your right I am jealous. I have never done anything like you have. I have never been to the Championships in anything. Never set a world record. I hate swimming. I am sorry." He sounded sincere.

My parents just smirked. "That's my girl. You make the USA proud. You make us proud everyday." My dad was so encouraging to me. I was a daddy's girl.

"Thanks Dad." I smiled. When we arrived at the fields, I couldn't believe the sight. People were everywhere. Banners and signs of me. No parking anywhere on the road, field. It was packed. News stations were there. At least 2,000 people were there. Supporting me. I couldn't believe it.

My dad pulled to the back of the stadium where I hugged them and got out. I was ushered to a gateway that opened to the center of the stadium. The 800-seated stadium was slammed full. People were crowded on the field. In the center was my Principal, High School swim coach and Olympic trainer. Along with a few teachers. All around the place was banner displaying my records and awards. My heart dropped, in the middle my idle Michael Phelps stood.

The stadium went dark and a spotlight was on the center. My principal went to the podium.

"Welcome everyone. I am the principal here at DHS. We have all gathered to show support for our very own AMY MATTEWS at the 2012 London Olympics. We have a very special guest here. May I introduce Michael Phelps." Mrs. Reed backed down and shook hands with Phelps.

"Whats up everyone? My name is Michael Phelps." The crowd cheered for the amazing Gold Medallist. "I had a chance to meet Amy, if I may say she is incredible. Not only does she have a great personality but she is a great swimmer. She even beat my Men's record. I know Team USA is honored to have her. Thanks for letting me speak today. Good luck Mattews and GO TEAM USA!" I cannot believe Michael Phelps came all the way out to Colorado to support me. Heck, he is racing too!