As a varsity cross-country runner, I’m no stranger to tough races. But the recent pre-qualifying meet for districts took an unexpected turn, and it’s a race I won’t forget anytime soon.I’m a 16-year-old from Australia, and for the last three months, I’ve been living in Graham, Texas. Adjusting to a new school, new culture, and being far from my mum has been challenging, but I’ve stayed focused on my training. Running at state-level, I felt ready for this race, and everything was going according to plan. I was sitting in 6th or 7th place, confident I’d finish strong and qualify for districts.But just as I neared the finish line, something went wrong. My legs gave out without warning, and before I knew it, I was on the ground. I found myself almost crawling across the finish line, determined to make it despite what was happening. People rushed over, telling me to lie down, and from there, everything became a blur. The next thing I remember, I was in the back of an ambulance. The paramedics were calm and professional, explaining everything and checking on me constantly. While it was all happening quickly, I wasn’t scared, but it definitely felt strange to be in this situation so far from home. I couldn’t help but wish my family was with me. Luckily, my host mum was a lifesaver. She had already called my mum in Australia, so they were both in the loop. When I got to talk to my mum from the back of the ambulance, she somehow managed to crack a joke, saying, “Well, love, I guess you just wanted to make an epic finish!” Leave it to my mum to make me smile, even from halfway across the world. At the hospital, I received excellent care. The doctors and nurses checked me thoroughly to ensure there were no serious issues. After a few days of rest, I was feeling much better. My host mum took great care of me during my recovery, making sure I didn’t rush back to training too soon. So, the race didn’t exactly end the way I imagined, but I’m not one to give up. I’m back on my feet, ready for the next challenge. With both my mums, one here in Texas and one back home in Australia, cheering me on, I know I’ve got all the support I need for whatever comes next. Let’s just hope next time, I’ll be crossing the finish line on my feet!
Race Day Chaos
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About the Contributor
Sonya Clarke, Contributor
Sonya Clarke is 15 years old turning 16 on October 29th and she is an exchange student from Sydney, Australia. She will be studying abroad in Texas for 5 months. This daunting yet exhilarating decision stems from her joy of discovering new places, meeting new faces, and embracing different cultures. Whilst in the U.S she hopes to challenge her perspective of the world and to be part of others’ lives, if only briefly. During her time here she will be participating in cross country and golf. Sonya has been running track and cross country for 4 years and has an ardent enthusiasm for the sport predominantly because of the camaraderie that comes with it, whereas she just took up golf 1 year ago only engaging in casual rounds with her dad. Back in Sydney she contributes to a significant amount of volunteer work at her church, sewing clothing for the underprivileged, and participating in a rehabilitation program called “WIRES”, that nurses and provides shelter for injured wildlife. Throughout the years she has looked after various birds, ducks, turtles, and lizards, and she is in preparations of undergoing her wildlife training course that permits her to look after koalas, kangaroos and wallabies, and possums. “You never know what someone has been through, or what they’re going through today. Be kind”. This quote inspires Sonya constantly to continue doing volunteer work and to show compassion for others. Other hobbies of hers include sewing, shopping, going to the beach and eating acai, and listening to music specifically to the artist Gracie Abrams. At this stage she is uncertain about her future aspirations and what path she wants to pursue, but she's inclined towards a career that involves helping others.