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"Congratulations, Adrianna," Kova whispered in my ear.
I clenched my eyes shut. Normally I'd step from his arms so bystanders didn't give us nosy stares, but I didn't care who saw us this time. This was something I never wanted to forget. I wanted to remember how this moment felt for me, Kova, and us. Plus, we were at the freaking Olympics! No one was going to say anything, especially when we looked just like other coaches and gymnasts.
"Is it real?" My voice shook as I asked. I didn't want to look and see that I'd made it up in my head.
Kova chuckled under his breath. "It is real, Malysh. Team gold, and you move onto the all-around tomorrow with the highest vault and bars scores of the Olympics. I think you will take floor too tomorrow."
My head popped up and I looked at him. I probably looked a little crazy with how wide my eyes were.
All I could do was respond with a dropped jaw.
Kova nodded, his gaze falling to my mouth then back to my eyes. He released me, but neither one of us moved. We were so close we were still touching.
"You did it," he said. There was a soft smile behind his eyes. "Even when the world was against you, you showed them how resilient you are. That is bravery not many are granted with. It is one of the things I love about you, you know. You are steadfast in the pursuit of your dream. You are so much stronger than you realize. Your willpower makes me look weak, but I aspire to have the heart and drive you do one day. I hope you are proud of what you have accomplished. I know I am."
I blushed. Kova made me sound like such a strong person, but I was only as strong as those I surrounded myself with. He was my strength. He was the reason I pushed myself so hard. He pushed me to push myself because he knew I could handle it. He loved the adrenaline and so did I. He evoked motivation in me and made me want to be a better gymnast and human. I had learned a lot from him in these few years I'd been at World Cup, and probably even more than I realized until years from now when I look back on my experience.
Kova made me the best version of me, the elite gymnast I only ever wanted to be. He dedicated countless hours of selflessness and coaching because he believed in me.
"Where do you think I learned it from? It’s a reflection of you."
His eyes softened. "Get dressed. We have to go."
Nodding, I turned around and went to my duffle bag. I quickly pulled on my sweat suit and strung my bag over my shoulder. I sped up to rejoin my team, and Coach Elena and the entire U.S. Olympic Committee held their hands out over the railing again. I slapped them all with a giant smile on my face, grateful that they also believed in me enough to give me this chance.
Most days I was my own worst enemy because I knew what I was capable of in my heart. When I didn't meet my own expectations, I beat myself up. It was an incredible feeling to see that I had people supporting me all along.
"In third place, winning the bronze medal…"
The crowd gave a vivacious round of applause. Third place at the Olympics was a huge accomplishment, but I knew those girls felt defeated inside and my heart cried out to them.
Second place was announced next, and my pulse skyrocketed as I awaited our turn. My knees shook and happy tears climbed my eyes for the millionth time. I was an emotional mess. Every time I dried my tears they started right back up.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer said, his voice booming through the speakers, "please welcome your Olympic gold medalists, Team USA."
I stepped up onto the center platform with my team and waved toward the crowd. Chants of "USA! USA!" came from the stands. My jaw trembled as an abundance of happiness filled me. I couldn't stop smiling.
A woman came forward holding an open box with four shiny gold medals. They lay flat with the multi-colored ribbon folded underneath. They were brighter close up and beautifully engraved with an image of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. The woman was met by a member of the International Olympic Committee who reached for the first medal then draped it over my teammate’s neck as the announcer called her name.
"Adrianna Rossi."
I sniffled when my name was announced next. The IOC member lifted a medal and I bent at my waist. Carefully, she adorned my neck with the surprisingly heavy accolade.
"Thank you," I whispered.
I straightened and stood tall, drawing in a deep breath and exhaling. Glancing down my stomach, I picked up the award and held it in my palm. I had the strongest urge to take a bite. It reminded me of a gold wrapped chocolate coin I got one Easter.
Of course, I didn't bite it. I'd do that in private.
I gave it a little toss to feel the weight in my hand. I'd given up so much of myself for this, and it was so worth it.
After the last medal was placed around my teammate’s neck, another member of the Olympic committee came forward to hand us small bouquets custom to Greece. Bushy olive branches cupped the beautifully bloomed orange, red, and yellow flowers. I smiled down at the bouquet then bent my knees to receive the laurel wreath on the crown of my head. The interlocking olive branches represented victory, power, and glory. I was proud to wear it.
I searched for Kova, but he was lost in the sea of faces. Then the three flags representing the medaling countries rose high in the air, and "The Star-Spangled Banner" began to fill the room.
My eyes glistened at the sight of the flags. I was in awe. I couldn't tear my gaze away. This night was emotional on so many levels. Everything I’d worked hard for was all for this moment in time that would live with me for the rest of my life. Being in a room surrounded by hundreds of thousands of people who loved this sport just as much as I did was no better feeling in the world. These were my people.
I peered down at the medal again and held it closer wondering if I’d feel the same way if we hadn’t medaled. I realized I would because it wasn't about winning. It was about the journey and the drive to achieve my dream. My determination had completely overtaken every molecule of air in my body, making the chase worthwhile.
