A Winning Jump

A Winning Jump
As the words “7thgrade track athletes report to athletics” crackled over the speakers I rushed from my seat and hurried to athletics. Today was the district track finals and the last chance for me to win at pole-vaulting.
When I got to the bus I gathered all of my thoughts, while the hum of the motor echoed through my mind. When we got to Caldwell Stadium I anxiously said to myself “_You can do this”_as I stepped out of the bus. I could already hear my heart beating and feel the adrenaline `rushing through my veins. I unloaded my pole from the back of the bus and jogged towards the pole-vault pit.
I gazed up at the blazing, blistering sun and then glanced at the other jumpers-seeking out the competition. I looked around the track and the noticed that the crisp grass of the field appeared as if each blade was the same as the one next to it. The words "Welcome to the Annual District Track Finals" sounded over the speakers. I slipped on my running spikes and started to warm-up. My jumps were perfect; I cleared the beam each time. Soon after a few more warm-ups, the competition began. The opening height was six feet. The first person jumped, then the next, the next, and the next. Finally, it was my turn. I ran and vaulted over the beam easily, but slowly as the height of the beam was raised the good were separated from the better.
Now it was only me and a boy from Madisonville. I made my first attempt at eight and half feet, but failed; he made his and failed too. I made my second attempt and failed; he failed too. Now it was my last chance to win. I felt a bead of sweat roll down my cheek, and drop on my shoulder. The referee told me it was my turn although the only thing I heard was the pounding of my heart. I started to run placing each step with control and confidence-knowing that if I messed up it would all be over. Sprinting as fast as I could I "planted " my pole perfectly in the "box" and swung over the beam with grace. Now it was the...