Shengliver’s Note: Teen Li Yan is more than a gritty runner; she is a gifted English writer.

The autumn sports meet ended with cheers, tears, and hurrahs. I just want to say, “I’ve tried my best.”

I did not participate in any events at last year’s sports activities, because I was working as a flower girl at the opening ceremony and later at the awards ceremonies. Besides, this year—2014—was the only opportunity I had left to do track and field prior to my graduation in 2016. Seniors, who are supposed to devote all their time to cramming for the NMT, are excluded from the annual sports gala. So, when word came that a sports contest was on the way, I made up my mind to grab the chance to compete.

In fact, I am not outstanding as far as track and field are concerned. Comparing running and jumping, I went for the former in the end. I am better at long-distance running, so I chose the 800-metre and 400-metre races. Name entered for the competitions, I began to run on the tracks in the sports field for practice every evening after classes at 10 pm. Every time I was on the verge of giving up, I reminded myself, “You are truly lost once you stop taking steps!” Then I persevered.

Unluckily, the day before the much-anticipated athletics opened, I did not feel quite myself. I suspected I was running a temperature. At the school clinic, the doc confirmed it. My temperature was 38 degrees Celsius. It unnerved me. I would be rather weak should the fever persist.

Oh my God, what should I do? All the practice would come to nothing? So much did I dread the prospect of losing face and letting down the number of loyal supporters, who had been encouraging and emboldening me all these days, that I even had an impulse to quit and ask a classmate to substitute for me at the races.

The big moment came. As I readied myself at the starting line, head down and bottom up, all my fears and worries were pushed to the back of my mind, only my friends’ lovely faces flashing in front of me. At the sound of the starting gun, with the race starter yelling, “On your marks, get set, go!” I sprinted out, forgetting all about my temperature.

I could hear nothing but cheers for me along the way. As I was going by the section of the bleachers where my class were seated, I heard voices shouting my name. “Come on, Li Yan. You are the best!” I sped up and went faster and faster, wind caressing my face. As I was breasting the tape at the finish line, many spectators were there waiting for me. They came over to prop me up when I was about to collapse. One girl handed me a bottle of drinking water. Another wiped my face with a towel. I was so moved by their kindness and consideration.

Man is not born perfect. You do not have to grab first place all the time. As long as you’ve tried your best, you are a champion.

How unforgettable my experiences at this year’s sports meeting are! I will cherish them in my memory forever.