The Day I Received a Prize

The sun was high and merciless, but it did little to dampen our spirits. It was our school’s annual sports carnival, and the inter-class relay was about to begin. It was the event everyone had been waiting for.

I could feel the collective anticipation of my team. We had practised relentlessly for weeks, and now was the moment to show our prowess to the entire school. I was the last runner in our team, the anchor, and the weight of responsibility sat heavily on my shoulders. I glanced around the track at my teammates who were all in their positions.

The shrill whistle signalled the start of the race. I watched as my teammates surged forward, flawlessly passing the baton from one member to another just like we practised. From my position on the track, I could see that we were within the top three places. If this kept up, we would stand a chance at victory!

My heart pounded in my chest as my classmate, Julian, drew closer and closer. When the baton finally came into my hand, I took off like a bolt of lightning. The crowd roared as the anchors sped down the track. My legs pumped faster, driven by the chorus of cheers. As the finish line came into view, I was neck and neck with Class 3C. Summoning all my strength and willpower, I surged forward and crossed the finish line.

We had won! The joy that erupted within me was immeasurable. The prize, a gleaming trophy, was handed to us amidst a sea of applause. My classmates and I hugged, congratulating one another for our spectacular performance on the track.

As the day drew to a close and the sun dipped below the horizon, I knew that the true prize was the bond we strengthened and the sense of accomplishment we all shared as a class.

Tightening the laces of my running shoes, I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. Ren Jun, with a hint of mockery in his tone, sidled up to me at the starting line. “You know, it’s not too late to back out,” he teased. “Don’t worry, I’ll win this race,” I said, unruffled by him. Ren Jun smiled and took his place beside me.

The air buzzed with anticipation as the rest of our classmates gathered along the running track, their excited murmurs filling the space around us. Ren Jun and I had always been at the forefront of every track event since we started Primary 3, our friendly rivalry a constant topic of discussion among our peers. Everyone was excited to see who was going to take the victory in the school’s 200-metre race.

The whistle blew and we burst forward. We shot off from the starting line like arrows released from a bow. I cleared my mind and focused on the path ahead. As our feet pounded the ground, I could sense Ren Jun right beside me. We sliced through the air, surpassing runner after runner until the two of us were the only ones vying for the lead.

Ren Jun’s strides were long and confident. I kept pace, maintaining a steady rhythm beside him. The finish line soon came into view and I knew it was time. In a final, exhilarating sprint, I surged forward and crossed the finish line mere moments before Ren Jun did, amidst the thunderous applause of our friends.

I won! Our classmates swarmed around me, clapping and cheering as I was presented with a shiny gold trophy. I held it triumphantly in my hands, basking in the sweetness of victory. Ren Jun came up to me and patted me on the back. “Congratulations!” he said. “It was another great race.” I shook his hand, smiling. “Thanks, Ren Jun. See you at the next one.” Our friendly competition had pushed us both to excel, and for that, I was grateful. I looked forward to racing with him again.