Then comes the steep.This is the fun part.
The guys before me dug ruts in the terrain, edges cutting deep into the ice.If I follow their lines, I'll bounce and rattle just like they did.But not me.
I stay tighter to the gates.Straighter.Faster.
One gate slams into my arm hard.Even through the padding, it hurts.It'll bruise.Good, a mild reminder of the stakes, not to get too cocky with the mountain.
Another roar from the crowd.That means I'm still in green.
I push harder.
I don't need to look at the board as I stretch forward and cross the line.I know.
I’ve won.
The crowd says it.The guys who'll share the podium say it too, their congratulations laced with disbelief.
I unbuckle my boots and glance up at the scoreboard.
1.78 seconds.
Not bad.
Actually, amazing.
Funny what a little motivation can do.
I'm still catching my breath when I step onto the provisional podium.The adrenaline fades, and the pain in my arm starts to burn.
As the commentator leads me to the leader's chair for the post-race interview, I spot Katharina, phone in hand, already working as a shield against the press swarm.
I look into her eyes.She beams at me.
Not a calculated smile.Not a smirk like before.Just pure happiness.
And that look is still there.
That's when I know.This season is going to be fun indeed.
Chapter 3
Second Place Looks Good On You
Playlist:
AC/DC: Thunderstruck
Robbie Williams: Let Me Entertain You
Lake Lois, Canada, November 17
