I was five years old when it all began. My cousins and other relatives were watching a marathon race on TV. I entered the room and caught a quick glimpse of the race. I was so impressed and wished to be a runner one day.

I could not control my excitement and said loudly, “One day, I will also be among the best runners in the world and you all will watch me on TV.”

What happened next was a round of laughter from everyone. It was as if I had told them a joke. It hurt and embarrassed me a lot, my eyes filled up with tears and I ran to my parents, where I told them the whole story. They replied that I should ignore their laughter and consoled me.

Days passed into months and months into years. I was a grown up adult now, a good athlete who participated in many races and was among the best runners of my local team. I was always looking for an opportunity to come to the limelight.

One day, I was walking towards my home when suddenly I saw a poster on a wall.

It was about a race called ‘The Grand Prix’, which was going to take place after three weeks. It was a national event.

I knew this was it, the beginning of my bright future. Thus, I started training myself — day and night. I exercised rigorously for three weeks which made me more confident to challenge the world and all those people who laughed and discouraged me at such a tender age.

Finally, the big day arrived!

My parents hugged and prayed for me and I left for the stadium where the race was going to take place. Participants were called early for the preparation and warm-ups. I noticed the stadium gradually started to fill with an excited crowd.

The time of the race drew near and we all took our places at the starting line.

A loud ring announced the start of the race. I noticed other boys were quite faster than me, so I quickly picked my pace and tried to take up the lead.

Everyone seemed to be faster than the other. I started losing hope but suddenly, I remembered the day when I was five years old and my relatives laughed at my ambition. I remembered my parents’ words and all the hard work I did all this time.

I told myself that it was time to show my courage and pursue my dream because if I don’t, I might never get another chance. I was then filled with strength and I started gaining speed. My focus was the finishing line, and nothing else. As if there was no one beside, after or in front of me, I was running at full speed.

Then I saw the finish line, which was wavering along with the wind. I ran with my full might, crossed the finish line, and clinched the first position.

I couldn’t believe what had happened in a matter of minutes. The crowed was cheering.

Everyone was happy. I knew that this victory didn’t just made me a champion but it was the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

Published in Dawn, Young World, February 24th, 2018