Animalympics: Blaze of Glory

Chapter 6: 'Forever Young' (Rod Stewart)

It is the biggest moment in my life. Not only had I won the Gold Medal and ended Team USA's drought, but set a new Animalympic Record. I sniffled, wiping tears from my eyes as the 'Star Spangled Banner' played, and the flag was raised up alongside Russia and Canada. To my surprise, my parents had flown all the way from Massachusetts to see me.

A White Pekin drake and a Blue Swedish hen came down from the stands with my mom wearing the American Flag like a cape. I embraced them, and I was so glad they came. I would finish my Animalympics with a Silver Medal in the Womens 3000m event, and with the Great Gilda Von Ente finishing her Animalympics on top with her second Gold Medal

Mina Michovskaya of Russia would win her first medals in the 3000m with a Bronze, and a Gold Medal in the 500m. Anne-Marie Le Phoque would go on to win the Silver Medal in the Women's 500m. Greta Van De Vos would win the Bronze Medal to end her Animalympics. With the part in these games now over, I switched out my speed-suit for tight jeans

"Where do we go from here?" asked Greta

"The beach?" I suggested to all my friends

"I hoped you'd say Disneyland," joked Annie

"Nein, Six Flags is better," Gilda teased back

"In the end, I'm so glad, so glad I made friends with all of you, and if you're ever in my neck of the woods, I'll show you a good time," I promised to them, I got a tear-eyed hug from Mina to two big hugs from the 'Old Ladies' Gilda and Greta where they lifted me up, and spun me around. We exchanged phone numbers and emails with each other as well

"I always wanted to see Florida," said Mina

"Key West?" I suggested, Mina smiled back

"Alright, let's go party!" cheered Anne-Marie

"And not do something stupid," added Greta

Greta has a point. Athletes that go out to have fun can end up on the news doing something embarrassing. Weeks after the Closing Ceremony, I met back up with them at Key West International Airport. I got a 'make sure you're on your best behavior' call from my parents. Gilda and Greta assured them that they will keep us young'uns out of trouble.

We walked around town, and tried things like Key Lime Pie. Annie and I got spotted by a few of the locals and we were asked to sign a few autographs which we were both more than happy to do so. Even Mina, Greta, and Gilda did the same for some of the European tourists out enjoying that Florida Sunshine. It really feels good to make someone's day.

"Once you're our age, it natural," said Greta

In bikinis of light blue for me, peach for Gilda, dark blue for Mina, orange for Greta, and seashell pink for Annie, we raced for the water and dived under the waves. We splashed, and played as if we were all twenty years younger. Annie was hardest to catch in a game of 'underwater tag'. As we all rested in the beach chairs with conch fritters, I got a text.

It's that time of year in Japan. It was from Haruka, and she sent it to all of us, "Hey girls, look at this," I swooned with my heart melting. Haruka had sent a text of her with her husband and her son in kimonos and yukatas during the Sakura Festival in Tokyo. Annie had set up the camera, and we all smiled with the sea for the picture to send back to her

"Wish you were here" I said in a texted back

"Did you hear?" Annie asked, taking a fritter

"About what?" I asked as I too took one,

"The next Games will be in Milan," said Mina

"Oh! That should be fun," I replied with cheer at the thought, I've always wanted to go to Italy. The art, the culture, the people, and of course, the food. Okay, let me put this out. I know there's more to Italy than just pizza. Risotto's one of my favorite foods when it comes to Italian. If one of my new friends comes to town, I'll take them to 'The Big E'

"I think we'll see each other again," I stated

"Think? You mean know," smirked Mina

"This my first time to America," stated Mina

"I would really like to see more," she added

"Maybe a road trip can be in the near future," I suggested, just like the Animalympics, all good things must come to an end. We said our goodbyes after three days in Key West. I'm back home in Pittsfield to spend some time with my parents before I head to my place in Amherst. Though, I've had a mind on moving to California, maybe to the Bay Area.

I have had a few emails come my way from sponsors on the West Coast. I'm a bit worried about that. I don't want to be on TV, or have my face on an advertisement. I want to keep myself on the level. I might go back to school, earn a degree, and find a job. Honestly, the check from the Animalympic Committee might not be enough of a roof over me.

I hear San Jose is nice. I have a lot on my mind after the Games, and spending some time with my friends. I chuckle at thinking about five of us in a car and going around the country. There are even states I haven't been to. A Russian Lynx, an American Duck, a German Duck, a Dutch Red Fox, and a Canadian Seal all in one car. What can go wrong?