7~ Potential

Elsa turned fifteen and Hans turned seventeen. They went on and trained and practiced as usual. Then, for the first time ever, Elsa claimed her first ever elite all-around title in the Arendelle Cup. Excited that she claimed it, Elsa barely slept that night. Two days later, Elsa came to practice all smiling and happy.

"I see someone's still feeling their victory," said Hans.

"Yes, indeed," said Elsa. "This was so unexpected."

"Maybe this time you'll get first place balance beam at worlds," said Hans.

"Oh, I hope so, and to be named to the women's junior national team," said Elsa.

"All of that will be good," said Hans.

Then, they warmed up and went to go practice. Hans started on the high bar, Elsa went to beam. Hans practiced for about ten minutes, then he got distracted and watched Elsa practice her acrobatic skills on the beam. He smiled at her as she did.

"She's such a great gymnast, and beautiful too," thought Hans. "So good on that balance beam."

Hans was a great gymnast too. Last worlds, he claimed first place on vault and floor, which was unexpected, but at the same time, it wasn't. Like how Elsa claimed first place all-around for the Arendelle Cup. Hans looked at Elsa, then he looked at himself, and something clicked inside his mind. If he and Elsa had come so far and done so well, who knew how even farther they could go? The Olympics. It stood out like a sore thumb in front of him. He wanted to do it. he wanted to get there. Although the next Olympics for the summer wouldn't be another two years, Hans was sure that would give him and Elsa enough time to train, do good at the championships, and qualify to go to the trials. Hans walked over to Elsa on the balance beam.

"Elsa, can I talk to you for a second?" Hans asked.

"What's up?" asked Elsa jumping down from the beam.

"I know you might find this hard to believe, but, I think we should try to go to the Olympics," said Hans.

"Us? Go to the Olympics? You're very funny Hans," said Elsa folding her arms.

"I'm serious," said Hans. "Think about it. This is our third year as elite and never before have you claimed a first place all-around title in an elite meet! I've never gotten floor and vault for first place! You're excellent on beam and hardly ever wobble, let alone fall, well, except for the first elite meet we ever had."

"That's true," said Elsa. "But even the best sometimes don't get chosen. You have to be the best of the best. We can't even get named to the nationals team and we've tried for over two years now."

"Well, certain things take time," said Hans, "And I think we can do it."

"Well Hans, if you want to try and go for the Olympics, you go for it, I won't stop you, but for me, I just don't know," said Elsa looking at the ground.

"If you don't want to go to the Olympics, then I don't want to go either," said Hans turning his back to Elsa and folding his arms.

Elsa scoffed. "If that's how you truly feel, then fine," said Elsa turning her back to him as well. They stood like this for a few seconds, then Elsa sighed and softened her stance. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to try."

Hans smiled. "No, it would not," he replied.

"But if we're really considering this, we need to tell coach Kai," said Elsa.

"Agreed," said Hans.

They went into the office where Kai was sitting at his desk.

"Hello coach Kai, can we talk to you for a second?" asked Elsa.

"Sure, what's up?" asked Kai.

"We want to go to the Olympics," Hans said, just like that.

Kai stared up at Hans and Elsa, blinking. He was unable to say a word. At last he cleared his throat and said, "Well, I'm sure you two know that's a big journey to take."

"Yes, we know," said Hans. "That's why we've come to you to see what you thought. Do you think we're great gymnasts?"

Kai thought before answering. "I think you two are excellent gymnasts. You both have come a long, and rather impressive way, and as for the Olympics, I definitely think you two have a great chance if you really set your minds to it, so yes, I think you both can make it to the Olympics." He smiled at them.

"What would we have to do to ensure we have a good shot?" asked Hans.

"Well of course, training is always the key," said Kai. "But also it would be a good choice to update your skills. Especially you on the balance beam Elsa, I know you can do harder skills."

"Yes sir," said Elsa.

"Another thing that would be good is to get named to the nationals team this year. That way you can go to the camp and get the special Olmypic training that you both would benefit from," said Kai.

"But that would require Hans and I to leave home, away from all our family and friends," said Elsa.

"Yes, it would," said Kai. "But as you see, that's the sacrifice of a sport."

"Okay," said Hans. "We understand. We can do this, at least we'll try."

"I'm glad to hear that," said Kai. "Now, let's get to training."

And so it began.