During school time, I was an athlete. My event was the javelin throw which is a highly technical event. It needs years of practise and so much dedication and determination to win a national level championship.
My family was my biggest strength who were even more enthusiastic than me. They were always behind me and supported me with my practises, diets and schedules to balance with my studies.
It was the day of one of the most awaited national level championships in the main city in 2006. Both my mother and my grandmother also joined along with the team since they really wanted to see my event.
Usually I needed to get ready at least four hours before the event begins to warm up check the credentials and etc. Just before getting blessings from my family and my coach I opened by back pack to get the file with my credentials. Oh God! it wasnât there. I have forgotten it in my school bag. I was terrified. Had no clue what to do. I was devastated and helpless thinking that I let down everyone.
But my heart said to give a call to my father who was more 100km away in a school teaching. He picked up. I said
Me: Appachchi I forgot my files. (He was really calm)
Dad: where are they?
Me: At home in my school bag
Dad: How much do I have? (Actually I never expected such a reply from him. I only wanted to tell him my situation and feel better)
Me: 3hrs and 45minutes
Dad: You go and warm up (That was all what he said and he hung up the line)
I came to the ground after warming up and I could see the other players walking into the field. Tears were running down my eyes. I was thinking about how much of effort was spent on for this day, how much I disappointed my family and my coach and more than anything it was not losing the game after participating but fail to even compete because of a stupid mistake.
All of a sudden from far distance I could hear my brother screaming my name. First I thought I was dreaming or something. But I kept on hearing his voice.
My heart started beating super fast. I saw my brother running towards me waving the file. I was flabbergasted and overwhelmed. I could see my Dad right behind my brother. I ran to them to get the file and when I was getting blessing from my Dad he said, Itâs your day.. Go for it.
I felt like I got all the power in the world. Ran to the field and sorted out everything.
I heard them calling my number. It was a habit that when I hold the javelin just before the throw I look at my coach among the spectators. But today I couldnât see her as usual. I was little worried for a second but then I could see my Dad, My Mother, my brother and my grandmother standing and cheering me. And all I could hear was what my Dad said..â Itâs your day.. Go for itâ
I took the throw and I still remember how I felt the grip when the javelin slipped from my fingers..
It was my best throw for my whole athletic career of 5 years. I won my first National level Silver medal and also got selected to the National Junior Athletic Pool.
Life gives to moments to get the best out of you…and in every such moments your family is always behind you.
© Hasini Uthpala Ganewita 2019-04-11