Jack's mouth dropped open in utter shock, his eyes wide with disbelief. He felt like he had been punched in the gut, his breath knocked out of him.He couldn't believe what he was hearing. The vice chancellor, the man who was supposed to be impartial, was actually suggesting that he, Jack, the best swimmer on the team and the captain, should step down and hand over the captaincy to Jacob, a beginner who had just gotten lucky? Jacob hadn't been training for long since they had imposed a f*e on using the pool, and now they had put him on the national team, and they wanted to make him the captain."No way," Jack muttered, his voice shaking with disbelief. "This can't be happening. Sir Jacob can't be the captain. He doesn't have enough experience."But the vice chancellor just smiled and nodded, his expression unyielding. "Yes, Jack. I think it's time for a change. Jacob has shown great potential and leadership skills. He deserves a chance to lead the team. Who knows? Maybe we would bring
As Jacob addressed the team, everyone had a smile on their face as they heard his soft words and assuring smiles he flashed at them, unlike Jack who would always seize any opportunity to show them how much better and richer he is than everyone. Meanwhile, Robert and Ben stood in utter disbelief as they watched their friend give a heartfelt encouragement speech.As Jacob continued to speak, his words dripped with sincerity and compassion. He spoke of teamwork, of perseverance, and of believing in oneself. His eyes sparkled with passion, and his smile was infectious. The team listened with rapt attention, hanging on his every word.Robert and Ben, on the other hand, were stunned. They had never seen Jacob like this before. He was always the quiet, reserved one, but now he was shining like a star. They exchanged a glance, both of them thinking the same thing: "Where did this come from? He speaks like he was born for this."As Jacob finished his speech, the team erupted into applause. Whi
As he leaped in last, the whole crowd had a disappointed roar, especially the students from Campbell High. How could he be so absent-minded, even standing at the podium like that?Robert and Ben stood still, watching as he tried to catch up with the other swimmers. He was literally the last one in the race, playing catch-up.Jack, on the other hand, seeing Jacob being the last to leap in and also the last in the race, trying to catch up with the top athletes, had a triumphant smile on his face that said, "I told you!" He walked closer to get a clearer view of how the race was going to end. He couldn't be happier that Jacob was proving his point from just a few minutes ago.He was very pleased, while the other students from Campbell High were angry about what was happening. It was crystal clear that they weren't going to make it to the semi-finals."Unbelievable! How could he be so absent-minded?" someone in the crowd muttered frustratedly."This is a disaster!" another student exclaime
About two minutes ago, Robert had snuck into the power room, his heart racing with excitement and a hint of mischief. He had been watching the race from the sidelines, and when he saw his friend, Jacob, falling behind, he knew he had to act fast. With a quick flick of his wrist, he switched off the power, plunging the auditorium into darkness before rushing back out.The sudden blackout caused a commotion, with students gasping and whispering to each other. The judges' faces turned red with anger and disappointment, while the regulatory officials rushed to the power room to investigate what had happened, but they were too late.Robert slipped out of the power room, trying to blend in with the crowd. He made his way back to the next stand instead of where he was with Ben, as he didn't want Ben to know what really went down.Within the next few minutes, the light came back on, and whispers and gasps filled the air. Everyone fixed their eyes on the athletes. Some of them were already out
Robert watched in awe as Jacob shot off the starting block like a bullet, his strokes powerful and precise - unlike the first time where he was slow. This time was very different. He was determined to make up for lost time, and Robert knew that he had the skill and talent to do it.In the first minute of the race, Jacob was on the same frequency and speed as the other top two swimmers, while others followed suit. They kept keeping up with each other for the next minutes, but the opposing team's captain, a tall, muscular boy with a cocky grin, was not going to let Jacob get ahead without a fight. He swam with a fierce intensity, his eyes fixed on Jacob as they battled for the lead.What?! Gasps filled the auditorium as Jacob and the last best swimmer went neck-and-neck as they swam back. They couldn't hide their surprised faces on seeing that Jacob was really doing better than he had just done in the last time."Oh my god, isn't that Jacob?" one of the students exclaimed in shock. "How
As Jacob walked into the locker room, waving his school flag, the space erupted in a deafening roar of triumph. His teammates, overcome with joy and pride, swarmed around him, cheering and chanting his name. Their faces were filled with excitement, and the smell of sweat and victory hung heavy over the room as both men and women jumped around.The team's coach, a towering figure with a booming voice, grabbed a megaphone and began to lead the chant: "Jacob! Jacob! He's our man! If he can't do it, nobody can!"Initially, Jacob was shocked to see his coach now siding with him after what had happened at the beginning of the match. But he just waved it off and continued to jump around and celebrate his win.Soon the team joined in, their voices growing louder and more frenzied with each repetition of Jacob's name. They started to jump up and down, creating a sea of bobbing heads and waving arms. The sound was like rolling thunder, shaking the very foundations of the locker room.As the chan
Robert's face turned red with anger as Mr. Jones' words cut deep. He knew exactly what the coach was trying to do - shame him for being poor. The crowd around them grew larger, sensing the tension. It wasn't the first time he would throw jabs at him for being poor. He had experienced it with him before, but it seems today would be the last straw of it. In the past, he had insulted him at any little chance he got for the most slightest thing ever, so it was only fair to say that Mr. Jones doesn't like him."So, that's what this is about?" Robert spat, his voice low and even. "You think you can just mock me for not having enough money to buy a new sports car? That's rich coming from you, Mr. Jones, with your fancy car and your country club membership."His words were laced with sarcasm and it cut deep into his teacher's skin. He felt like he had been punched in the gut. He actually thought it was just him who knew a few things about Robert, but he also didn't have a car nor wore fancy cl
Inside the locker room, all the students who were going to be racing in the next twenty minutes were getting dressed. Some were outside warming up their rides and making sure everything was in order. The air was filled with anticipation. They had been revving their engines for this moment for weeks, and finally, the day of the big race had arrived. The room was a flurry of activity as everyone quickly got into their respective racing gear.Robert wore sleek, fire-resistant jumpsuits in their team colors, adorned with sponsors' logos and his name emblazoned on the back. He paired these with sturdy, protective helmets, gloves, and shoes, making sure every piece of safety gear was securely in place before he went out for the race.As they dressed, the drivers chatted nervously, discussing their strategies and goals for the race. Some did last-minute checks of their gear, while others visualized the track and their competitors. Ben and Jacob were also in the locker room, helping Robert wit