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!
