There was a sense of utter foreboding as England walked back into the arena for the closing ceremony. He had lost. Utterly. Having spent the last four years training, spending his own money on getting himself ready for the games and he had still lost against the Australia who had just turned up on the day and tried his best. England looked around and smiled slightly, he would remember these times, being able to remember the days were he had had so many people being around him and now they had all left with only a handful still being his completely.

Finding his way around the other countries he saw Australia's back facing him, New Zealand spotted him and England signalled him to stay silent. Their conversation continued as England came up from behind and tapped him on the shoulder, the other man jumped and gave a shout.

"Blimey mate," Turning around Australia changed from a look of anger to smiling. "England, good on ya, you made it"

"Now that the games are over, I believe you have to take in your winnings" England closed his eyes and waited for the other man to get to do what he wanted. A few seconds past and he waited, opening an eye he looked back at Australia who was confused

"Oh come on mate, ya don't expect me to humiliate you here" Australia looked to New Zealand.

"It's the sprint of the games" New Zealand said, getting a nod from Australia.

"Sure, at the beginning I was going to send you to some schoolies but I think you tried hard. So I think we should all get a beer" Australia put an arm around the two countries, "Ya did well, only came 2nd to myself, but New Zealand mate, just wait till the rugby, you'll get us back" only getting a shrug and wink from the younger country.

England took a second to think what the Aussie had said, he had worked himself over trying to beat the other man and now he was saying that it wasn't for the winning it was for the trying. He hadn't expected it but he had learnt something from these games. Walking from the arena they made their way to a bar.

"Oh, and England"

"Yes, Australia?"

"Watch out for the drop bears"

The End.


Schoolies - End of high school celebrations.
Drop bears - fictional bears used to scare tourists in australia.

final table (the leader is in gold medals)
Australia; 74 Gold, 55 Silver, 48 bronze - 177
India; 38 Gold, 27 Silver, 36 Bronze - 101
England; 37 Gold, 60 Silver, 46 Bronze - 143
Canada; 26 Gold, 17 Silver, 33 Bronze - 76

11th New Zealand; 6 Gold, 22 Silver, 8 Bronze - 36