My heart was pounding fast while I lined up with other eager competitors. I felt so excited that my whole body was shaking. I braced myself, took some deep breaths and waited for the signal. Then the starting pistol sounded and I set off down the track.
I could hear the crowd shouting excitedly, but the noise seemed very far away. I sprinted as fast as I could, not looking at anything except the finishing line. As soon as I crossed the line I was so exhausted I could hardly breathe. By the time I heard the result announced, I realized I had won ! Overjoyed, I collapsed on the soft grass with a broad grin on my face.
“ Well done ! ” said the Headmaster later, as he presented me with the winner’s certificate. I had never felt so happy and proud in my life.