Percy POV

When Piper said that she invited a few people to my apartment for a 'Going to the Olympics' Party, I took her at her word. I wasn't expecting there to be over 70 people crammed in my small apartment. I genuinely wasn't able to say proper goodbyes to my close friends and family.

Regardless, I don't regret getting together with Annabeth one bit.

I wanted Annabeth to now that I'm not scared anymore. I'm ready and prepare to have both Annabeth and a swimming career in my life simultaneously. I can do both and be just as happy. Without compromise.

Annabeth stayed on my mind during the entire plane ride to Hawaii. I'd never forget the smile on her face and taste of her lips when we made our couple status official.

"This is your first time in Hawaii, right?" Chiron asked, breaking the silence.

I was grateful for a distraction. I'm terrified of flying, and I was probably a out to pass out if Chiron hadn't talked to me.

"Nope, first time. I'm so excited," I expressed.

"You understand that you won't have any time to explore the island, right?' Lupa said seriously. "The Olympic Teams trains together for one week before flying to the Olympics together."

"I understand, Lupa, but still excited for the whole thing," I replied.

Chiron and Lupa were sitting next to me while I was at the window seat. In hindsight, I shouldn't have chosen the window seat, but whatever.

My coaches continued giving advice and tips for how to behave. I could be myself at the Olympic Training and at the Olympics in Greece, but I should also be cautious of what I say and do. The entire world would be watching me as a representative of the United States.

I listened intently to them even though I knew that I was prepared.

...

As Lupa mentioned, there was very limited down-time in Hawaii.

The Olympic committee made all fifty three swimmers who made the team practice twice a day for several hours each. Mornings and evenings would full of swimming in the large Olympic-sized pool. The US Olympic committee has their own coaches that offer advice and techniques on top of the swimmers' own coaches.

It always made me laugh when Lupa and Chiron would look at the coaches with disdain when they approached me.

Chiron would sometimes tell me to ignore their comments, making me chuckle.

The afternoon would be filled with strengthening, conditioning, or rest therapy, all of which were required to revitalize and prepare our bodies for the Olympics.

During the limited downtime, I would hang out with the other swimmers. Most of them were a couple years older than me since I'm 18 (almost 19). There were a total of nine teen swimmers on the team, most of which were girls.

This was normal for the US Olympic Team, historically speaking.

Reyna and I would have our meals together when we can, the standard high-protein diet with a lot of greens. It was nothing compared to my mom's food. She would make healthy food delicious. I was missing her already.

I wouldn't see my family and friends for another two-ish weeks. I face-timed Annabeth, Jason, and my mom/Paul pretty frequently on alternating days.

Reyna would happily join sometimes since she knew everyone from home.

The week passed quickly.

Before I even knew it, everyone considered the swimmers ready for the Olympics. I was ready to give it my all in the biggest competition in the world.

The Olympic Team took several pictures, individually and as a group. My photo made me look quite hot, if I say so myself. I was only in the Olympic swim shorts with the Olympic Jacket laying over my shoulders, still exposing my abs and chest. I posted my photo and the team photo to Instagram.

My following was growing every day, which I was't expecting. But, it was still nice.

I have a lot of support going into the Olympics.

...

I made sure to fall asleep during the plane ride. I didn't need my competitors and teammates to make fun of my fear of flying. Reyna was smirking enough as it is.

The entire flight was composed of the Olympic team, committee members, support staff, and all the coaches. Chiron and Lupa both agreed to let me sleep. It would be morning when we land in Greece, so I wouldn't have to deal with jet-lag this way.

The other swimmers also followed suit. Like I said, we're the best of the best swimmers in our country, so we knew what to do.

It took several hours to leave the airport and settle into the Olympic Village.

The Olympic Village is just a small section of the city that was completely blocked and rented by the Olympics. The center of the village was the massive sports complex with the swimming pool for competing. Surrounding the complex was a bunch of apartments, hotels, and houses for the athletes to stay in. Reyna, me, and our coaches stayed in a shared four-bedroom apartment. It was really comfortable and extravagant.

"I could never afford a place like this," I whispered in awe.

"Well, you should get used to it. You're a professional, international swimmer now. A lot of companies will probably market off you too," Reyna informed me.

"Let's just focus on the present," I stated, chuckling.

We settled into the apartment briefly before leaving to attend some interviews and lightly train in the Olympic pool. The purpose of each team private training in the pool is to familiarize ourselves with the new setting. The main thing was being comfortable at this particular pool's springboard because the height and feel could be different based on location.

I was so grateful that the diving boards were very similar to the ones at Olympia. Chiron was smiling as he watched my easy comfort. Other swimmers were still figured it out. Everyone would get it eventually.

The US team had two hours to swim in the pool.

Even though it was supposed to be light, I gave it my all in the pool, pretending like this was a practice at home. I always give it my all, unless told to real in.

The countries slowly trickled into the village, and other athletes (not just swimmers) were arrived for their own events. It was cool to meet everyone, but I was more focused on myself. The Olympic committee doesn't give a lot of time for the swimmers to practice.

But, Chiron and Lupa were smart.

They found a private pool a little ways outside the Olympic Village. It was still a competitive pool, so Chiron negotiated in Greek to let me swim their in the upcoming days.

It was a way for me and Reyna to keep our bodies attuned to the pool. After all, the Olympics does have warmup sessions between each event, but it's not a lot. And, the events are all so staggered that you could go a few days without swimming. But, that's dangerous for a swimmer who wants to stay in the zone.

Anyway, that's how the next few days went.

I trained intensely and lightly in a private facility, and swam with the US Olympic Team at the main facility. I spent time giving interviews, resting, exploring some foods from the local area, and slept like a baby at night.

I felt good and alive.

I also made sure to take pictures of everything. Annabeth asked me to.

Before we knew, the Olympics held their opening ceremony. All the swimmers from every country sat with their respective teams on the pool stands. The coaches had lined up along the sides of the pool. The ceremony was right; it set the mood for sure.

"I'm so excited," Reyna said firmly.

"Me too," I whispered. "We've been working so hard. It's the time for us."

"Agreed."

...

The Butterfly 100m event had the heats and the semifinals schedules for the second day. The Butterfly 200m were schedule on the fourth day. I competed in both events with ease and qualified for the Finals for both.

Triton and I both qualified for the Butterfly 200m. I was the only one from the US team to qualify for the Butterfly 100m finals. Triton and Ponty had better times than me in the preliminary heats. Triton's time was better in the semifinals too, but only by milliseconds, which was still a big deal. Ponty seemed to fumble in the semifinals, leading to him not making it to the finals.

I was incredibly proud to represent myself in both the Butterfly finals.

However, the finals were scheduled (at least) three days later than the qualifiers.

The wait was agonizing, but I distracted myself by swimming in private and watching the other competitions and events. It was surreal that I was actually at the Olympics, getting a front row seat, watching the swimmers I idolized growing up.

Now, it was time for the Butterfly 100m finals.

"Good job, Percy. This is a great accomplishment. You made it to the top 8 swimmers at this Olympics for the Butterfly 100m," Chiron stated.

"Thank you, Chiron. This is the race that matters," I said hesitantly.

We were sitting in the locker rooms. It was a tradition at this point to give Chiron a pep talk in the privacy of the locker rooms. It wasn't that private though. A lot of swimmers were walking around, showing, changing, or talking.

The announcement boomed for the Butterfly 100m swimmers to start making their way to the pool. We had already warmed a couple minutes earlier.

It was time for the final race for this event.

I huffed and stood up, but Chiron pulled me back down.

"I'm so proud of you, Perseus. You should be feeling incredibly satisfied by how far you have come. You're a winner no matter what," Chiron acknowledged.

"Thanks, Chiron. I know that thougg."

"And, this is the moment you've been waiting for. Dreaming for. We anticipated getting you to the finals for Butterfly. You're so young (about to turn 19 in a few days), but so talented. You need to give it your all now," Chiron advised.

I nodded while standing up. This time Chiron didn't stop me. I was ready to compete. It doesn't matter how well I do, I'm still incredibly proud.

As I walked into the pool room, the crowd started cheering.

I smiled while walking to my lane. Some of the other swimmers were already waiting. Sung Guo from China, who comes from a winning Olympian swimming family, nodded to me respectfully. I grinned back before pulling my goggles over my eyes.

After all the swimmers arrived, we climbed onto the springboard and readied ourselves. I took a deep breath and forgot about my surroundings.

Just swim, Percy. Just be you, I told myself.

Then, the SHOT fired.

I dove into the pool and swam, giving it my all to the water.

...

To Be Continued...

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