I’m Haziq. Today is a very important day for me.

Today is an annual school sports

day and I am one of the athletes involved in today's competition.
I was reminded of yesterday's incident. I was ridiculed by Alif. He's my
competition today.
"You’ll never beat me, Haziq,” Adam said and laughed.
I'm just being patient. I promised to myself I'll definitely beat him.
The teacher asked all participants to be prepared. I could see Adam with his evil
smile.I remind myself to keep focus.
“Pom!” After the sound of the gunshot from the referee, everyone rushed off.
I'm in the running too to the finish line. I succeeded in crossing almost all the
other participants except Alif. I strengthened my speed and finally succeeded in
crossing him.
I can't calm down now, I have to make sure I get to the finish line first, I thought.
Suddenly something unexpected happened. My legs are cramped. I can't think
right. I can see Alif returning to me. And then, the other participants came across me.
I was dumbfounded. Does that mean I've really lost? NO!, my heart says. I can't
stop here. Even if I lose to others, it doesn't mean I have lost to myself.
I made the decision to keep the race. I need to get to the finish line. I slowly
pulled my leg and moved to the finish line.
After a while, I finally reached the finish line. I have no idea what my true feelings
are. But, I am satisfied that I have done my best. I’m proud that I did not stop before
reaching the finish line.
As expected, Alif got first place. I'm smiling. It doesn't matter if the trophy isn't
mine this year. I think.
Suddenly, I could see Alif walking towards me with the trophy he had just won.
Unexpectedly, he gave me the trophy.
“Take this cup, Haziq. This cup is not mine. You're the real winner of today's
competition. If you hadn't had cramped just a moment ago, I'm sure you would have
succeeded. I'm sorry for making fun of you yesterday. You're a real winner,” said Alif.
I was taken aback. Confused by what Alif did a while ago. However, I did smile. I
believe he was sincere and meant what he said just now.
“Next year, I'll make sure I can really beat you. I'll make sure my feet don't get
cramped again. I'll make sure I get to the finish line ahead of you,” I said while taking
the trophy that was given to the Alif.
“I'll look forward to that day. We will compete again. He replied and smiled.
Yes, I did lose today. But I'm proud that I succeeded in finishing the race. I'm
proud that I didn't stop in the middle of the run. That's the true definition of successful
people. Successful people are not the ones who never fall, but the ones who get up
despite repeated falls.