Things psychologically changed for Alex during a school trip. The weekend before the autumn half term, Year 11 were off to Manchester to view the new pool and velodrome constructed for the Commonwealth Games. Alex had never before swum in a 50m Olympic competition standard pool and was looking forward to it. Alex guessed he would be sitting and watching at the velodrome. Cycling on a ramped track was scary enough with feet.

Alex sat and stared at two of the athletes waiting for the school trip to end and their training session to start. One had a prosthetic arm and the other a prosthetic leg. Alex was wearing full length combats so you could not tell he was disabled. He shuffled over to the two guys. "So, you're on the British Team for the Paralympics?"

"Yes" said one of the guys in a semi sarcastic tone. Alex had just stated the obvious like a complete spanner.

"So my teacher was lying when he said I could not try out." Alex pulled up his trousers to expose his prosthetic left leg and then added "I really miss cycling since my accident. I used to have a really cool bike - a condor custom racer".

"So you want to try out? Come on, kid". The the two atheletes introduced themselves and so did Alex.

Everyone from Brookland was packing up to leave as Joe and Mike took Alex out to where the practice bikes were still against the side. Joe pointed at a bike. "That bike should do for short stuff here. Come on Alex get on and have a spin around." Two technicians held the bike and Alex got on like a kid for his first bike ride, his feet were strapped loosely in and he was pushed off. Alex was cycling, it was in fact it was easier than walking even with his weaker left leg. He stood on the pedals to gain momentum and went for two laps gaining speed. The bike had no gears or breaks so slowing down was a gentle easing off until the techs caught you. He was a bit shaky getting off and the team doctor wanted to check Alex's stump to make sure he had no chaffing. Alex bold as brass pulled down his trousers and exposed his two prosthetics and pulled off both legs. Joe muttered about a "lying little shit."

Alex added "you would not let me try if I'd told you I was a completely legless."

"You did good kid."

"I'm definitely getting a new bike."

Alex was quite sneaky, after half term he be bought a second hand mountain bike. Well used, but well looked after. Sixty quid. Alex had been given control over the child benefit, to buy clothes and such. Alex had spent it on a bike, a lock and a helmet. He cycled around Lambeth, it was like his accident had not happened. Pure joy. Alex cycled to Chelsea and past his old Dojo. He stopped and was tempted to look in when Carl, his Sensei, spotted him and beckoned him in. The class of Yellow belts had just finished.

Carl was staring at Alex's legs. "I can see why you stopped coming to class now. Car accident or a stupid stunt?"

"Boat Accident on holiday last year. My foster parents were killed."

Carl blanched and asked "Jack?"

"No, no. Social services classed her as unsuitable last summer. I was running a bit wild at the time. I was fostered twice, but I've been adopted since then."

"You doing any sports at the moment. You look pretty fit and healthy"

"Swimming at South London. Practices mostly. The disabled kids swim on Saturday at Brookland as well."

"I forgot you went to that dump. How is your mobility?"

"Fine. Walking OK. Cycling better. Can't run or jump. Best at falling really." Alex smiled cheekily at Carl.

"Very funny. Do you want to try a spar? Just to assess your standard."

Alex spared starting with simple moves, moving to block and was still quick at punches. Alex then forgot and tried a kick. Ending up on the floor in a heap.

Carl waited for Alex to stand and then they bowed. "Your reflexes are as good as ever. You like swimming?"

"Its relaxing. My zen now." Alex found it hard to imagine not swimming. He loved getting in the zone of lane swimming.

"Good for you. Don't be a stranger." Carl struck out his hand. Alex thought yeah I am getting a bit big for the hair ruffling Carl used to do. Alex shook hands and then put his hands in his pockets and realised he had not missed Karate for months.

"OK Carl. I'll pop back. Its just been a crazy year."

"I bet it has."