The stadium noise was deafening. Marching towards the podium, he reflected on the path that his life had taken, how it had come to this. He grasped his flag proudly, waving at the distant faces in the crowd.
First, the bronze medallist stepped up, received his medal and flowers, then the silver medallist. Finally, it was his turn, highest of all, top of the world, gold medal. He waved all around.
As the anthem played, he wondered if he’d ever had a choice. No matter, he would enjoy the moment. The result of the drugs test wouldn’t show until tomorrow.