A/N: Here's my new story! I'm sorry to say that it is not a Matt/Miranda combo this time, although, it is a L/G. Enjoy and please, if you have time, review! This story is a little different than most of the others, but I think its likable. I don't know anything about Beijing or China, though, so to prevent possible offense, the names of places are going to be non-Asian.

Summary: It's 2008 and Matt is a top American swimmer who just made it to the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Lizzie and the rest of the family come to support him, not knowing that David Gordon is there for his own reasons and that Matt is falling in love with a Canadian athlete. Matt is 19 and Lizzie is 22.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Out of Breath

Chapter One

Before the Games Begin

Matt McGuire, One week before the opening ceremonies, pool, Beijing, China

On his way to get dressed after morning practice, a reporter stopped him, "Matt! Over here!"

Matt, rolling his eyes, wrapped his towel around his waist and walked over to the reporter. A little out of breath from the swim, the last thing he wasn't to do was talk to someone, but he couldn't help it. "Hey," he said, once he reached the reporter.

"Hi. I'm Diana Harris of the Associated Press. Do you have time to answer a few questions?"

"Sure," he said.

"Okay, good," Diana said, smiling, "So, Matt, you recently broke three world records at the trials. You are America's favorite in the backstroke and freestyle events. Third time Olympian Michael Phelps has said he was honored to be on the same team as you. Tell me, Matt, how does it feel to be you?"

"Well, uh," Matt said, "It feels a little overwhelming. I've been here for two weeks now and I'm excited. It's amazing to be swimming in the same pool with people like Michael and Ian Thorpe and I think that these games will be particularly interesting."

"They will, indeed," Diana said, "Do you think that this will be a lot like 2004, where the US dominated the swimming scene?"

"I sure hope so. There really are some great people here, though, so it will be quite a challenge. I really just want to get out there and represent the United States as it deserves to be represented."

"Now, one country that is really expected to challenge you this year is Canada. Not only do they have great men, but they also have great women. How does this make you feel?"

"Okay, actually. I met most of the team and they are great and so nice. They have more potential than they ever had in swimming. However these games end won't change my opinion about them."

"Do you feel a lot of pressure as someone from a country that has a great recent history in this sport?"

"Well, I don't know. I mean, I really want to do well. My family is coming to watch me and I've been preparing for this for a long time, but I don't know if I feel pressure. I want to try my best and I have six opportunities to medal and if I get six medals, that would be more than great, but if I get none, I'll be better off knowing that I tried my best and will know what I need to work on for 2012."

"Well, Matt, thank you for your time. Good luck to you in these Olympic games."

Matt nodded, "Thank you," before he walked off into the dressing room to take a shower, get dressed and head to his room at the Olympic village. He didn't have much time before he was supposed to film some segments for NBC, eat lunch, swim more laps, go to the work out room with his trainer, and then finally meet his parents who were arriving that day to support him. He was tired, he was exhausted, and he really wanted to go to sleep, but he couldn't. He grabbed a granola bar and headed to the NBC headquarters to film the segments.

Ashley Chambers, same day, same place, same country

Eighteen-year-old Canadian swimmer Ashley Chambers arrived a few minutes early to her scheduled morning practice. Once she was there, her friend and fellow Canadian swimmer, Kelly Harper, greeted her. Kelly was sitting in on a chair watching the swimmers.

"Hey," Kelly said, as she put her swim cap on, "Did you sleep well last night?"

"Yeah, I did," she said, "I was really tired and I just woke up like thirty minutes ago."

Kelly pointed out to a guy that was getting out of the water, "Hey, Ashley?"

"Yeah," she responded, too busy dealing with her own goggles and swim cap.

"Do you see that American getting out of the pool?"

Ashley looked, "You mean Matthew McGuire?"

Kelly dropped her mouth, "That's Matthew? Man, I knew he looked familiar, but I thought Matthew had darker hair or was shorter or something."

Ashley smiled as they turned to watch Matt get stopped by a reporter. At this point, Ashley turned back to Kelly, "Well, I only know this because Brian is racing against him and was talking about him earlier."

Kelly grinned, "You know," she said, "If I didn't know he was an American, I'd almost say he was cute."

"I don't know. For some reason, he just doesn't seem to look like my type," Ashley said and she shook her head as she headed to the pool. Goggles and swim cap ready, she dove from a block and started swimming her best stroke, breaststroke.

Lizzie McGuire, four days before the Opening ceremony, LAX

"Thanks for dropping me off at the airport," Lizzie said to her friend, Miranda.

"Thanks. I wish I were going with you, actually. Tell Matt that I said good luck."

"I'll do that," Lizzie said. The two friends were in Miranda's car and Lizzie was about to get out, "God, I can't believe my brother is in the Olympics."

"It's pretty cool. Also, who knows? You may find some hot guy to take back with you to America."

Lizzie rolled her eyes, "I doubt that."

"Lizzie..." Miranda said, "It's been over with you and Eric for almost six months now. Don't you think its time to move on?" Lizzie got out of the car and so did Miranda.

"I know its over and I'm actually really glad its over, but I'm not looking for anything serious right now. Besides, I'm going there to support Matt and have fun."

"Fine," Miranda said, opening her trunk and getting out Lizzie's suitcase, "Call me when you get there."

"Okay," Lizzie said, "I'll do that. Have fun here!"

"Sure thing."

Lizzie took her suitcase and headed for the airport entrance. She checked in and checked her bags before finding her gate. She waited, reading magazines to pass time and then her flight was called.

Ten hours later, Lizzie was in China and calling for her parents to come pick her up.

David Gordon, two days before the Opening Ceremony, Napa Valley

A young, handsome David Gordon was sitting in his apartment waiting for a call he was expecting. "Hey," he said, when he recognized the number as his boss, Henry George.

"Hey. I just sent a car out to come pick you up."

"Alright," he said, "Bye."

"I'll talk to you when you get there."

"Right. Okay," David said, and he hung up his phone.

"So," his roommate, Jay, who was in the room, said, shaking his head, "I still can't believe you are going to this."

David shrugged, "Yeah, well, it's not a bad job, first of all, and secondly, I need a break from this place. Going to the Olympics will be a good vacation for me."

Jay raised an eyebrow, "Even if you are working?"

David sighed, "I'm only working part time. Other than that, I have virtually no responsibility."

"Yeah, well, do you know anything about any of the athletes?"

"Nope. But that's what the plane ride is for."

Jay rolled his eyes, "Whatever, Dave. I still can't believe you want to do this."

"Hey! I'm single! I'm sick of writing about Napa Valley, and I hear China has great Chinese food," he said, flicking his roommate's forehead as he headed for the door with his suitcase. Just then there was a knock at the door, "Sam, save my messages and I'll see you in about three weeks."

"Have fun. I'll be reading what you have to say about everything!"

David was out the door by then, so he couldn't respond.

He was in China the next day.