Open Writing

I started by being in awe of my big brother Olympus. When I was little he appeared fearsome and aloof, not one to suffer fools gladly, although in his own way he was kind to me. Olympus was world-famous and a great athlete. He was also proud and arrogant, constantly tossing a look that told everyone: don’t mess with me, I am number one. He had reason to be haughty. He had power and greatness. I was glad and proud that he was my brother, but I kept away from him.

Then I grew up. I’d like to say that I caught up with Olympus but I never quite did. Not yet, I told myself. He was the Great Olympus and there was a lot of catching up to do. I hero-worshipped him when I overcame my fear of him. I watched and learnt, knowing that he was special. He noticed and warmed somewhat towards me and now and again took me under his wing and coached me, but he never forgot that I was his baby brother no matter how hard I tried to impress him or how good I became. There was always that streak of arrogance in him that prevented this. But he mellowed and I gained confidence.

Quite often we trained together. There were times when I secretly felt that I could beat the Great Olympus, but as usual he was always better and faster, his technique superior, but I was content to bide my time and I never despaired or gave up. One day, I thought. One day I will be great like you. I can do it, we are from the same stock after all, and like you I have talent and the temperament for it. People called me the Young Olympus which didn’t please him very much.

And indeed it happened; I actually beat him one day. I raced along-side him at last. It wasn’t a big race, nevertheless, I pipped him at the post! Just! I never forgot that day and I don’t think Olympus did either. His nose flared threateningly. He was furious and I caught the look in his eye that said: you little squirt, just you wait! It took a while but eventually he overcame his pride and congratulated me. I was exhilarated. Could Olympus have been a little proud of me too? After that event, we were not just brothers but rivals too. I was someone to be reckoned with at last.

Whenever I beat Olympus after that – it wasn’t often and not by much - it gave me a lot of satisfaction. It was enough for now just to beat him occasionally. He was proud and it was hard for him to lose to his little brother. I understood how he felt because I was proud and arrogant too, so it did not stop me from trying to win no matter how much I loved and admired Olympus.

There were long spells when I did not see my brother. He was busy or training and racing elsewhere and I truly missed him on those occasions and I always looked forward to his return. I think he was glad to see me too but, typically, he acted cool about it. I didn’t know a great deal of what went on in his life. All I knew was that he continued to be famous and successful, and I was happy for him.

Then the Big Day came. I had never been entered for this particular event before. I had previously been considered too young, too immature, too hot-headed. Eventually my trainers admitted that I might just be ready for this important race. There had been several lengthy debates about me and Olympus, all the pros and cons were discussed. I might not be ready; Olympus was getting older, I heard them say. It was not his
type of course. Not his type of race.

Eventually, after all the discussions, we were both registered for this event. We could hardly contain our triumph…….I, because it was my debut at the most prestigious event of the year and would be going head to head with my big brother, and Olympus, because he had triumphed over the controversy about his age and fitness. We were excited and we trained long and hard. On the odd occasion I wondered if Olympus was slowing down, and was it my imagination that I was better and faster? I gave him a questioning look but he gave nothing away and was his usual arrogant and sometimes overbearing self.

At last the Day came. The early morning call, although I was awake long before it, the warm-up, the sponging down and the grooming, the pep-talk, encouragement and last minute instructions. I could hardly contain myself, I was so keyed up and excited. I was told to calm down and save my energy. Olympus of course was perfectly calm. He had done it all before. He too reproved me and told me to keep a steady head, but I felt his suppressed excitement. He vibrated energy and outshone everyone that day when we paced around the arena. However just before the race, knowing him so well, I sensed his unease under all the gloss and shine but it was a big day even for Olympus and I did not have time to dwell on it.

We lined up at the starting post. I was not placed near Olympus but it did not worry me. I was quivering , eager and ready to set off. Nothing else mattered. I was going to show Olympus how good and strong I had become. I had been nick-named the Young Olympus and was ready to live up to it. I felt it in my bones. I was going to beat my great brother at last. This was going to be my race, my day. It was time. I could do it! With all these thoughts churning in my head, it was impossible to keep still in spite of the admonishments and restraints put on me. Nothing could hold me back today.

Then the starter went and we were off!

It went well from the start, I was full of confidence in my speed and power. There was nothing to stop me. I ran easily and freely, steadily passing others with ease. Ahead, moving beautifully along was the Great Olympus, my Brother, my Rival and my Hero.

There was immense excitement among the spectators. I could sense it, smell it. The crowd roared and cheered urging us on. I’m sure they felt my determination to win, to triumph over Olympus today. For the first time I heard my name loud and clear.

On and on we raced, my brother and I, leaving others behind. The ground thundered under our feet. Noise from the crowd grew, but there was nothing and no-one else in my orbit or thoughts, only Olympus, and I was steadily gaining on him. Almost level with him! Now we were almost neck and neck. The crowd went mad. They yelled my name and cheered. I threw my brother a quick glance that said: There, I can beat you, Olympus!. Then I caught the glance he threw me at that moment and I thought: Oh no big brother, not today. You are not going to threaten or put me down today.

All of a sudden, I felt an immense kick in my belly that made me catch my breath and sent a shiver through me. Perspiration dripped though I felt a great chill. I suddenly hit a great void of silence and greyness, where there was no colour no sound, just an eerie hush in which only Olympus and I existed. It probably lasted but a moment . For me it was almost the end of the world. Then the moment passed and suddenly everything returned to normal, the colours, the lights, the people still cheering and shouting, the race and the thunderous sound of our feet pounding on and on.

The finishing post flashed past and in the end Olympus beat me by a mere nose. It had been a very close call.

Afterwards came the applause, the triumph and disappointment of a wild crowd, the slow winding down, the presentation of the cup, the speeches. Everything went as predicted but I felt hollow and deflated through it all even though I was placed second, and my coach and trainers were well pleased and told me I was a credit to them. Olympus, of course, took his bow and his triumph and glory in his usual self-contained fashion. He was the Great Olympus and the Champion yet again.

I grudged him nothing. Once, however, at the end before we retired and returned separately to our quarters, Olympus caught my eye and sent a message of congratulation and understanding. He nodded his thanks and my heart nearly stopped. It must have caused him a great deal to humble himself to me, but I detected a fondness in that look that had never been there before and I felt choked-up with emotion, but retired content.

Early next morning I learnt of his death of a massive heat attack during the night. I was broken-hearted and so was everyone who knew him and was close to him. I mourned him but I was at peace too.

You see, the glance that Olympus threw me at the end, before the finishing line, was not a threat but a plea which I alone understood in the nick of time. Olympus had secretly known that his great heart was not quite up to it any longer and that this race could perhaps be his last. It was a brotherly plea to me, begging me to let him win one last time. Loving him as I did I could not refuse him. I understood what the glance meant and it almost caused my complete collapse. Only my youth and strength of will push me to do what I am sure was the right thing .

It was an impulsive thing I did in that split second that day letting Olympus win but I knew I was at the beginning of my career. There was plenty of time for me, but not for Olympus.

And after all, they did not name me “Impulse” for nothing!