Dedication and Perseverance Till the Very End - Emily Luo
Emily Luo is a sophomore at the KangChiao International School Kunshan Campus.
I started my journey of triathlon four years ago. Before then, I never really had a passionate devotion to sports. In fact, I probably wasn’t even considered ‘athletic’ before I got in touch with the sport of triathlon. Nonetheless, the triathlon has now become an inseparable part of my life: it is a habit, a lifestyle. Triathlon training sessions gradually became my only exit from reality.
It is when I am in the swimming pool immersed in water, gliding through the water and propelling forward when I feel the truly unique feeling of weightlessness. The buoyancy of the water supports my body, creating a sensation of lightness and freedom of movement. Being in the water provides the healing and transformative experience that allows me to momentarily escape from the pressures and stressors of reality.
It is when I am on the track with a gentle breeze sweeping through when I’m able to rethink thoughts at a slow pace. The connection with the natural environment and surroundings is intense, allowing me to fully experience all the sights, sounds, and smells as I run.
It is when I am on my bike, pushing the limit, when I feel the exhilarating sensation of breaking through the air, the adrenaline flowing through me. Wind rushes past, evoking a sense of openness and attachment with the world.
I remember the day of my first competition, waking up early, feeling butterflies in my stomach. As the morning sun began to rise, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and nervous anticipation. Competitors from all around the world were crammed on the beach, exchanging smiles and encouragement. Knowing that the competition was about to start, our team high fived each other and wished each other good luck. The sound of a single horn pierced the air, shattering the silence and igniting a frenzy of movement. Participants sprinted toward the ocean, diving in with a splash. It was my turn. I quickly calmed myself with deep breaths, and decided to give it my best. After that, my mind seemed to go blank. Only the determination to win and finish the competition with the best performance I can achieve remained on my mind.
I approached the last few meters of the race, a surge of energy coursing through my weary body. As I ran onto the red mattress of the finish line, the crowd erupted into a symphony of cheers and applause, astonished that such a little girl could finish at this pace. Fatigue battled with determination, but the desire for victory burned brightly in. Using my final burst of strength, I crossed the finish line. The scene was a whirlwind of emotions: the thrill of competition, the nervousness before the race, the sheer joy of accomplishment and the relaxation of finishing. In that moment, I realized that only I would know that I had pushed myself to the limit and emerged victorious.
Crossing the finish line of my very first competition, I was overwhelmed by a sense of accomplishment. I began to realize how all the hard work, dedication, and few years of training has paid off. My journey of triathlon does not end here. The journey is a lifelong pursuit of enjoying the sport of triathlon. Looking back, through all the ups and downs, the triumphs and setbacks, the triathlon journey has taught me tough lessons of the power of perseverance.
