Page 59 of In Too Deep

I’ve given my sample to the officials, and I’m changed and lining up, ready to walk out to receive my medal. I’ve never done this before, but this rush is exhilarating.

Standing in the middle of Katie and Marta is awesome. The fact that I beat them both to win the gold, not just for me but for my country, is something I will never lose sight of.

I hope my family is watching.

Then I can prove to them once and for all how worthy I am.

I’m lining up to walk out and just as we step off, Marta shoves me. I trip. Luckily, catching myself. Turning, I glare at Marta and she smirks.

“You know why bullies pick on people like me?”

She offers a faint shoulder lift. “Oh, this should be peachy.”

“Because you wish you were me. You’re so down about your own sad, fucked-up life that you belittle those around you. It might work on Anna, but you have your work cut out for you with me, you conceited bitch. I can handle anything you throw at me!”

She grins mischievously and straightens her posture. “I can’t wait till you see what I’ve thrown at you!”

Furrowing my brows, I open my mouth to ask what that means, but the officials start leading us out. We make our way to the dais and stand behind it as the music plays. You can’t wipe the smile from my face. Katie has the same reaction. I turn to Marta, and she’s frowning beyond belief, so I try to hold in my giggle—itsucks to be her.

They announce all the formalities, and I’m not paying attention as the butterflies flutter about in my tummy.

“The bronze medal, representing England… Marta Botwright,” they announce over the microphone. The crowd cheers as Marta steps up onto the dais and half waves to the crowd. She isn’t showing much enthusiasm at all. I glance at Katie and she smirks as the official places the bronze medal around her neck, shakes her hand, and hands her the stuffed echidna mascot.

She stands back up straight, half waves again, and I glance back at Katie and smile brightly at her.

“The silver medal, representing Australia… Katie Reynolds.”

I cheer as she steps up onto her dais and waves to the roar of the home crowd. I’m so proud of how far she’s come, as a swimmer and as a person. It’s awesome when people see the light.

I wish Marta would step down from her high horse as she practically turns her back to Katie. Shaking my head slightly, I turn my attention back to Katie. The official places the silver medal around her neck, shakes her hand, and hands her the stuffed mascot.

My muscles tense. I take in a deep breath and try to control my erratically beating heart.

This is it!The moment it all becomes a reality.

“The gold medal, representing Australia… Lacy LaBelle.” The announcement is called.

I run out of air.

Even though I knew I had won, I’d had forty-five minutes to process the win. And even with that much time, it hadn’t truly hit me till this second.

My eyes water.

I can’t breathe.

Katie glances back at me and smiles.

And that’s just the push I need to help me up the step.

Standing atop the dais, the crowd erupts into a loud roar of jubilation as the tears free flow down my cheeks. I scan the mass of people to see Tuck, and he’s wiping tears from his face as he smiles at me so widely his smile is all I can see on his face. I bow my head to him, and he waves to me. Then I blow him a kiss, and he places his hand over his heart. Sniffing, I spot Caro, East, and the Hughes all cheering and jumping up and down.For me.The excitement in their eyes overwhelms me to the point of tears. Then I see Coby—he’s gazing at me and smiling as he blows me a kiss. I chew my bottom lip and gesture in understanding. Then I bend down while the official places my gold medal around my neck.

“Congratulations, Miss LaBelle.”

“Thank you,” I reply and shake his hand as he passes me the stuffed echidna. I stand back up straight and thrust my arms into the air in celebration, and the crowd roars to life once more. I take it all in—the flashing lights of the cameras, the music filling the stadium, the atmosphere surrounding me.

This is my first Olympic gold medal!

The Australian National Anthem starts to play, and an overwhelming sense of pride washes over me. I now understand what an achievement this is for not only me but for my country. I’ve done not only Tuck, my friends, and family proud, but Australia as well. That makes me pretty damn proud of myself.

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