Grad Statement

The Race
The deafening sound of my heartbeat grew louder and faster in my ear.   I knew that the race would have been physically challenging; however, I was prepared.   As I walked to the starting line, nothing was more important than winning.
"Ready?" asked the announcer.
In the distance, I could see my father waiting at the finish line. Though my father’s presence usually had a calming effect on me, on this day my nerves negated this familiar emotion. At this exact moment, my biggest fear was letting him down.   Before I walked to the starting line, he told me that I was still a winner even if I was not victorious at the end.   He whispered softly into my ear, "you can do it! Go get 'em. I'll be waiting on the other end.”   The mere desire to win became my mission, which I refused to fail. 
((“Set?”))
The anticipation was overwhelming.   My mind raced uncontrollably. This was it. I could no longer turn back.
(("Bang!”))
I winced.
My legs, though shaking beneath me, suddenly jumped and my body propelled forward. However, I was not the only who desired to attain a gold medal. The sounds of heavy breathing and the shuffling of steady and unwavering feet surrounded me. The only question to answer was "who wanted it more?" I planned to start strong and get ahead early.   My opponents were close behind me; their presence felt like hungry sharks biting at my feet. I had to find a way to gain an advantage if I were to come out victorious.
Through beads of sweat, I could see the finish line. A burning sensation filled my body. It grew tired and begged me to stop.   I needed to push myself for the last couple of meters. Suddenly, I saw my father's face light up with such excitement as all of the competitors approached the final stretch. The roaring cheers from the crowd grew louder as we approached the finish line.   We were all thirsty for the win, but there would only be one winner. 
Fifteen years later, the gold medal is still on display in my bedroom to remind...