59

Hello, thank you so much for still following, reading and reviewing this story. I think we are three chapters from the end now. I never meant for it to get this big but I wanted to bring the Tracy's to life.

Today was the day. Gordon was in the changing room running through his warm up exercises with his coach and trying to not think about the enormity of this moment. He could hear the roar of the crowds watching the 4 x 100 metre freestyle relay. He tried to focus on his techniques in his mind as he stood stretching his arms. He would be competing in two events over the next two days. The 200-metre backstroke and the 200-metre butterfly stoke. His coach was confident in his ability having seen Gordon in action. His family (not really having any idea of his true capabilities even before the accident) thought he was insane but supportive non the less.

He had made some remarkable progress since February when he had first started to walk again. After four months of being bedridden and nearly eight months of intensive physiotherapy he had surpassed all the doctor's expectations and began walking again fully. He wouldn't be winning any hiking or running contests anytime soon but he could walk around the house and wash and dress himself again and for now that was enough for him. He was still in moderate pain but oddly his right thigh was still numb and would most likely always be now, there was simply no sensation. He also was required to complete rigorous daily stretches and physio exercises to maintain the mobility that he had regained and to keep his core muscles strong to take the pressure off his spine. His gait was still ungainly at times and he occasionally dragged a leg but he was a different man to the one that had returned broken all those months ago.

He shook himself out standing concealed in the doorway of the changing room. He was nervous. Not nervous of swimming - that he had down. He was nervous because this was the first-time people would see ex-forces Gordon Tracy with all his scars on show. He felt horrendously exposed; physically and mentally. His family were pretty famous but he had done a good job of staying out of the limelight bar a few select press releases to promote his upcoming place in the Paralympics, he had also shot a piece for the Marineville veterans fund as a beneficiary. He breathed out; he was ready. He could do this; he had done a lot harder. He knew his family were out there waiting for him, well except for Alan and John they were still in space but watching the live feed. Gordon could hear the commentator Simon Reynolds. "And now we have the 200-metre backstroke. Please welcome our athletes!"

Gordon was lined up with the others ready to file out. He walked out of the tunnel to flashing cameras and wild cheers. He maintained his breathing and tampered down the feelings of panic sparked by the flashing and loud noises. He wanted to do this more than anything, he had learnt to manage his fears. He raised an arm and gave an exaggerated wave for the crowd's, grinning from ear to ear. As he took is position, he smiled at the clamouring yells from the front of the stands. When he looked across, he saw Virgil and Scott holding an American flag between them jumping up and down. He could quite clearly hear Scott yelling to the young woman next to him. "That's my little brother!" he tried not to die of embarrassment, he could see his father shaking his head but he was chuckling at their antics. He gave Gordon a small wave. Grandma waved along too, eyes sparkling with joy; she was so excited to see Gordon in action having watched him practice in the pool most days. She knew he had a hell of a good chance of coming away with a medal.

The commentators ran through all the athletes. There were nine of them in the first heat. Gordon had been the only American to qualify for a place in this heat out of the whole team, they were confident he would win. He wasn't so sure; he was good at the back stroke but it didn't come as naturally to him as the butterfly stroke. "Here we have Gordon Tracy representing the USA! Tracy has recently returned to competitive swimming after a stint in the World Aquanaut Patrol Service where he was medically discharged after sustaining terrible spinal injuries in a hydrofoil accident. Just eight months ago, Tracy was still completley paralysed from the waist down, his recovery really has been remarkable!"

Gordon waved gain to huge cheers from the crowd. He threw in a beaming smile for the viewers at home too, pumping his fists above his head to the cheers and clapping before settling down to take his position. The Clerk of Course was making his way down the line ensuring that all the athletes were correctly placed according to their current rankings. This was the final of two heats. The hardest part for Gordon was maintaining his poise on the edge of the pool. He couldn't stand for that long in one place without considerable pain so the podium wasn't an option for him. His coach helped him to sit on the edge of the pool instead. When directed he could jump in and hold on to the pool edge to start. He was classed as an S5 at qualification, when he had begun training, he was assessed as an S2 that was how much his recovery had progressed. Gordon pulled his goggles down off his cap.

They all took their positions as the crowds fell eerily quiet, everyone had taken their seats now. The referee called the swimmers to take their positions, she then promptly whistled to indicate the swimmers could enter the pool. Gordon felt the familiar comfort of hitting the pool letting the buoyancy and natural lap of the water take over his body as he enjoyed the weightless sensation it brought to his weary and painful limbs. He still had much more freedom in the water than he did on the ground at present, his movements less hindered by pain and injury. He had adapted to using his arms to propel him more than his legs. There was another long blast of the whistle from the referee, he grabbed on to the handrail, the chlorinated aroma of the water washing over him. This was it! Not long now.

The referee indicated over to the starter. He looked down the line "On your mark" Gordon gripped tighter to the rail as he held his position. The beep rebounded through the hall. Gordon pushed off the best he could and went for it, clearing his mind of all thoughts other than counting his strokes. He had no idea how he was faring against the others as he raced across the pool. His best time in training had been 2.23.42 in the heat he was in, that placed him within the top five comfortably. He pushed off the end of the pool one lap complete - another three to go.

"Come on Gordon!" Roared Scott jumping up and down. Fresh from leaving USAF only last month and jumping around like a mad thing with Virgil supporting Gordon, he felt like he had made the best decision of his life. Virgil was silent as he intently watched Gordon's every move, leaning over the bar at the front of their seats. Gordon was in the top four of the pack and slowly advancing on third place. Jeff was stood next to a rather buoyant Scott watching in anticipation. He pitched forward in excitement as Gordon closed the gap and entered the top three. He had one more lap left. "Come on Gordon!" They hollered in unison.

Gordon could just start to feel the strain of the exertion, his breathing was fine but his legs felt like they were on fire in the water and his back muscles were being tortured. He was reaching his limits and had to tamper his speed to ensure he would complete the race. Eighteen months ago, he could have done this all day but right now he was struggling with mere minutes. He hoped he made it to the finals. He stretched out his hand on the final push. Touching the edge of the pool to indicate he was finished. He gripped on to the edge just taking a minute to focus on the roof and get his bearings before flipping over. He looked at the times as they flashed up. This was the semi final heat he had to win it outright or come within the next six fastest swimmers from all the heats. The times flipped up. "First place is Dima Ivankov of Russia with a time of 2.10.41, who goes straight through to the final. Second Place is Gordon Tracy USA 2.15.45, at the moment that places him third in the top six fastest but there is still one more heat to come!" Gordon let out a whoop of jubilation! wow! That was amazing he didn't think he would even make the top three he knew that Dima, Toby and Katsu were formidable opponents and seasoned Paralympians so this made his time even more incredible. He began a few quick warm down laps before Ben greeted him. Ben helped him out of the pool, Gordon's legs gave way a little but he didn't care he had achieved more than he ever thought he could. Ben patted him on the back and congratulated him as he led Gordon over to the benches. He knew Gordon would want to see the next heat. He started to dry off before slipping his jacket and bottoms on. He drank his water, conscious of wanting to replace his fluids as quickly as possible.

The next heat passed in the blink of an eye but for Gordon it felt like forever, he glanced over his shoulder as he was doing his warm down exercises to see Virgil and Scott give him the thumbs up. He grinned and looked back to the board just as the times came in. He was slack jawed in disbelief when he saw he was the second fastest in the top six! Ben clapped him gently on the back as Gordon flew round and pulled him into a bear hug. "Right time for you to get out of here! You need to eat and get ready for that final this evening, I'm proud of you kid!" Ben's brown eyes sparkled with emotion. Gordon had surpassed all he wanted to achieve and more. "Thanks!"

Twenty minutes later and he was in the hotel lounge with his family tucking in to a well-considered lunch. For his height and build he had to eat 2,400 calories a day to maintain his weight due to the number of calories he burned in training. When he was competing, it was a little less but still a good meal and rest was vital to refuel him for the final. Scott had been the first to congratulate him "Gordon that was insane! To think of all that you've been through to this moment I mean it's just incredible! I have never been prouder of you." That meant a lot coming from Scott as the only one who knew the full hardship he had endured prior to today. "Thanks Scott, that means a lot." He beamed as Scott nodded in acknowledgment. They chatted mostly about his upcoming final and his prep before he eventually stood. He had to try and get in a thirty minute – an hour power nap if he could to try and revitalise himself.

"You did great Gordon, good luck for this evening!" Virgil pulled him into a hug.

"Thanks, I need it!"

Jeff put an arm around Gordon and walked a little way with him back to his rooms, Scott and Virgil bringing up the rear. "Gordon I can not tell you how amazed I am at your progress and what you have achieved. Your mother was right, I just needed to give you more time. I was too harsh." Gordon started to protest before his dad turned him around. "No, its true she always new you'd find your purpose eventually but you've done so much more than that. Not only did you find your true purpose but you had to reinvent yourself after having it taken away form you. I wish your mother could see you know Gordon! She would be so happy for you!"

Gordon was pleased his father had come to see his potential but it was also tinged with the sadness that had been underlying all day, all of those he had lost; his Mother, Grandfather and Glenn. He wondered what they would have made of it all. "Thanks dad, for what it's worth I know I was a tearaway and I have a knack for pushing buttons I shouldn't." He shrugged apologetically with a sheepish grin as Jeff ruffled his auburn hair before playfully cuffing him around the head and muttering what a cheeky so and so he was. Scott and Virgil laughed. "Go on be off with you! rest up and we will see you this evening!" Grandma came up to him and gave him a lavender pillow. "To help you relax and sleep, good luck for later sweetheart." He smiled and gave her a hug. "Thank you you're the best." He waved good bye to them all and entered his room.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Gordon lowered himself into the pool, having watched back his performance from earlier on he was trying not to overthink this race. He gripped on to the bar, his back was aching and his legs were feeling strained and tired but he was determined to succeed. He just hoped he would recover well enough for tomorrow's butterfly stroke; in hindsight he'd been rather ambitious in agreeing to take part in both the events he had qualified for but he felt like he had a lot to prove. He wanted people to see his recovery and not pity him for the injuries he had sustained or remember him as the guy involved in that horrific accident.

The beep sounded and they were off! Gordon kept his breathing regulated as he pushed through the water as streamlined as any sea mammal, his arms like fins as they cut through the water. "Gordon Tracy is in second place, looking to be a real challenger for the previous gold medalist Dima." Gordon caught a snippet of the commentary. He was soon at the end and flipped before pushing off again. He could hear the muffled roar of the crowd over the splashing of the other athletes as they cruised through the water. Gordon noticed that Dima had the lead still but he was biding his time. If he over exerted himself now, he could easily lose his advantage, he needed to be sensible. Flip, turn and push. He was off again. Not long now. His legs were starting to burn as a niggly little jolt of pain hit him around the middle section of his back which threw him off his pace a little despite the quick recovery. He'd not felt pain like that for some months. It had gone as quick as it came. He swore in frustration as he realised, he had slipped back. "Gordon Tracy has slipped to third place! This is a surprise!" Simon commented.

"Not sure what happened there it almost looked like he lost his momentum for a moment Simon." Replied Harry the second commentator. Gordon blocked them out he didn't need them critiquing his loss. He touched the edge of the pool. It was all over. Gordon knew he hadn't won. All because of that stupid little stabbing pain.

He hung his head as the times came up on the screen. "Dima Did it! He secures his 15th gold for Russia! And….. I've just been informed it's a new world record! He did it in 2.05.25! Wow!"

"Silver goes Ben Jones at 2.20.09 and finally the bronze medal is awarded to Ryker Zimmerman coming in at 2.22.15. That was one exciting final for sure!"

"It sure was Harry… Next is the final for the men's 800m relay."

Gordon dragged himself out of the pool, he was fourth. Missed out by a lousy tenth of a second. He limped over as Ben gave him his towel and water. "I'm sorry Gordon we knew this one was the weaker of your two events, we have everything to play for tomorrow. Gordon smiled even though he was gutted inside. "I was holding back a bit I was worried about expending too much energy ahead of tomorrow, guess I learnt the Hard way huh?"

"Don't be too hard on yourself, fourth is still a great outcome. Gives you something to work towards next year!" Ben didn't know Gordon wouldn't be doing this next year. This was Gordon's only chance and he'd messed it up. "Yeah, I'll totally have it down for next year."

Ben tapped him on the shoulder and pointed to the stands. Scott and Virgil were jumping up and down like idiots with a flag whilst Grandma and his dad waved on. He could hear loudmouth from all the way over here. "Way to go Gordon! That was awesome!" Scott grinned like a Cheshire cat. It was hard to stay depressed when you knew your brother was making a complete ass of himself for you in front of the press. Gordon hoped someone was capturing it, he would pay for the photo. Since leaving the air force a great weight seemed to have been lifted from his shoulders, Gordon hoped he could feel like that too after this.

A quick meet up over the stands, the Tracy's retired for the night to allow Gordon to recoup. Gordon had a quick catch up with his team mates in the lobby before he met up with Mark and had a massage, ran through some physio to wind down and try and dampen the pain he was in. He didn't mention the twinge in his back to anyone. He didn't want anyone to worry. If his dad knew he'd want him to pull out all together and there was no way that was going to happen! He went to bed worn and dejected but resolved to perform better tomorrow. The butterfly stoke was by far his best event, he was confident he would win. Gordon wasn't materialistic and didn't need a lot in life to make him happy but he wanted that Gold more than anything. He had always been into competitive swimming but never took it seriously much preferring to just freestyle and mess around. He just needed to be good enough to get him into the submarine service then W.A.S.P. He had everything he had strived for, everything he wanted! Then one day in a matter of hours it's had all been callously snatched away from him. He was left with nothing. He had felt washed up and empty. His whole world fell from under him as he was medically discharged in what should have been his prime years. The Paralympics had given him something to hope for again, it gave him back the routine he had felt lost without. It gave him clear objectives to work towards and allowed him to push himself physically in a way that he had always enjoyed. Overtime this Journey had healed him more than any physio or medical care could. It had given him purpose again and the Gold medal was his ultimate objective. The covert op with the payload at the end. A job well done and a chance to serve his county once again, albeit in a very different manner. It was with these thoughts swirling in his mind that Gordon fell into an exhausted sleep.