Cora, a novice, rarely signed up for a race Freda entered.
“You are out there to do your best and have fun,” her mother rationalized. “That’s most important. If you don’t win, no big deal.”
Support from close ties had Cora leaving insecurity behind and signing up.
Race day breezed in with favourable weather. A sizeable audience had formed to cheer on one hundred or more participants.
“Get ready! Get set! Go!” yelled the race announcer.
Better athletes were soon out of sight. Cora maintained her steady, slower pace with the sole goal of completing the course.
Making her way through the forest, she was surprised at what awaited her at the end of one turn. Leaning against a pine stood the star performer, Freda. Cora stopped to learn what had happened.
One by one, contestants glided through the finish line. Among them, Freda, who secured a bronze medal. Cora hobbled into view at the very end, receiving an applause from the spectators.
In her acceptance speech, Freda acknowledged several individuals. Foremost, the one who offered a helping hand at a desperate moment during the race.
Cora smiled, feeling good to have lent one of her skis when Freda’s binding broke.