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The Thrilling Race: Witnessing Michael Phelps vs Cavic in
the Beijing Olympics 2008 |
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Gathering at Lina's house to watch the greatest race of the century was a moment
that we, as school swimming team members, had eagerly anticipated. It was
Michael Phelps versus Cavic in the 100-meter butterfly, a match that we
considered to be the greatest event of the Beijing Olympics 2008, especially as
it was our forte - the butterfly stroke.
Our team was divided; half of us supported Cavic, while the other half rooted
for Phelps, who was my hero. He was courageous, persistent, and not one to cave
in under pressure, and his looks were a plus point, of course.
As Phelps took to the pool, I muttered to Dayang that it looked like he would
not be getting his seventh medal since he was the seventh slowest of eight
swimmers. Rajamoni chimed in, stating that Phelps was not a machine, but I was
not convinced. Phelps was a force to be reckoned with, and he still had another
50 meters to go.
As the race progressed, we shouted to encourage our heroes, and my admiration
for Phelps grew. He had not given up, and it was a race to the last. It was
unbelievable. They were neck and neck, and the crowd in the National Aquatic
Centre started shouting 'Phelps! Phelps! Phelps!'
When Phelps touched the wall first, I shrieked with excitement, and we saw both
swimmers spin around and stare at the video screen. There was a minute of
palpable tension as the electronic numbers rolled, and my heart was racing and
thumping so hard. The results flashed across the screen.
Phelps had won by 0.01 second at 50.58 seconds! He did the impossible! I danced
around the room, pounded the table, and jumped for joy. I screamed and screamed.
What a feat! He had won by a hair's breadth. A fingertip.
Phelps was a machine, the greatest of swimmers, and the one without parallel. He
was my hero. The thrilling race was one that we would never forget. |
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