Olympic Feet

by Roger Clark

 

This tale concerns a boy named Terry, a normal boy from a town called Bury

Normal in every way but one … his feet were big – size twenty-one!

Often people in the street, would stop and stare at Terry’s feet

Since no shoes would fit him, Terry went barefoot hopping and skipping

 

He hopped and bounced his way to school, but the kids thought Terry far from cool

They called him names like ‘Bigfoot’, ‘hop-a-long’ and ‘hobbit’, even his Mum called him ‘her little rabbit’

Terry got by thinking happy thoughts, (and liked to play all kinds of sports)

His parents loved him very much, but they were often busy – out of touch

 

One day Terry came home from school, to eat his dinner (that was the rule)

By then his feet were tired and smelly, so he’d rest them up whilst watching telly

On the news came Lord Sebastian Coe: “the London Olympics will soon be ready to go”

“Ready on time” Terry’s Dad said from his seat, “now that’ll be an Olympic feat”

 

An idea flew into Terry’s head… “I’ve got Olympic feet” he said

No longer will they call me names, if I win a medal at the Olympic Games!

He told his folks of his crazy scheme, “don’t be silly” they laughed “in your dreams”

But Terry thought about competing, ‘which event could my big feet win?’

 

You’d think large feet ideal for a swimmer, but Terry hadn’t learnt - he was still a beginner

What he did best was hop and run, he did this every day for fun

‘In which event could I win the race?’, ‘that’s it’ he thought ‘the steeplechase’!

So without further hesitation, he began a secret operation….

 

Terry started running in the park, and even training after dark

He ran long-distance with his dog Cuddles, leaping logs and hurdling puddles

Until one day at last, he found he really was quite fast

His Dad said “Terry you are so speedy”, “let’s apply for Team GB”!!

 

So they sent off the application, “you’ll be the youngest to represent the nation”

The reply came back a few days later, Terry’s Dad read out from headed paper:

“Dear Terry, sorry to let you know, cutbacks have kept our budgets low,

We can see you’re very keen, so please apply for Rio 20-16!”

 

Terry rubbed his feet with ointment, but he could not hide his disappointment

“Never mind love” his Mum said, “apply for another team instead”

It turns out (as she explained with pride), that Terry has a rellie on his Mother’s side

She made some calls “my son has potential”, “give him a chance – it is essential!”

 

So Terry performed his best, for a comprehensive fitness test

One step closer to his dream, he was accepted for an Olympic team

News soon spread the whole world over, that Terry had made Team Moldova!

A small country known for breeding horses, they had lots of money – all the resources

 

A new coach stepped-up Terry’s training, and made him jog when it was raining

Terry helped old ladies with their shopping, and leaped over cars at zebra crossings

He ate super-foods to improve his diet, as well as pizza and chocolate (on the quiet) 

Although his feet were sore and glowing, Terry felt his strength was growing

 

At long last the day came, when London received the Olympic flame

An opening ceremony watched with glee, included giant cups of tea!

Terry joined the athlete’s procession, waving for the television

He woke up the next day, with Round 1 just hours away

 

From his Olympic village home, Terry jogged to the velodrome

His preparation was nearly complete, he had developed super-strong mega-feet

Terry focused on mental strength, by staring out his dog at length

His coach agreed - he was now ready, in fantastic shape - his nerves were steady

 

So in front of cheering crowds, he looked to make his family proud

Lining up for Round 1, Terry got ready for the starting gun

All at once the gun sounded, up he jumped and away he bounded

Terry crossed the line fourth - BUT, he’d done enough – he’d made the cut!

 

TV pundits picked up the story, about the boy going for glory

“You’ve got to say that this lad’s good”, “the best we’ve seen since Zola Budd!”

“I’m not sure about his technique”, “he’s very young he may have peaked”

Not listening to what was said, Terry focused on the task ahead

 

Terry’s name was still in the paper, when the final came a few days later

He lined up for one last time, only 3000m to the finish line

Off to a great start, breathing steady and beating heart

Terry kept up a good pace, still in it mid-way through the race

 

On the last lap signalled by a bell, Terry suddenly tripped and fell!

Oh no! What could he do? He jumped up like a kangaroo

Now he was going faster and higher, he was having an absolute flyer

He very quickly closed the gap, and made his way right through the pack

 

As Terry came off the final bend, there was not much further to the end

Running out of time, he leaped towards the finish line

It was over in a flash, but who had won that final dash?

The judges must review a photo, to find out who the medals go to

 

Following a long delay, the results were shown on big display

Trembling slightly his body shook, Terry could hardly look…

Glancing up to the screen, the results of his Olympic dream….

And what do you know, he had got bronze medal (by a toe!)

 

Cheers filled the stadium, as Terry stood up on the podium

His beaming smile said it all, as he received the bronze medal

Back home in Bury, a loving crowd applauded Terry

Around the country high and low, Terry was welcomed as their hero

 

Terry turned down a brand new bike, when offered sponsorship from Nike

Instead he built on the Olympic dream, to become the face for bunion cream

But with respect and newfound fame, the kids no longer called him names

Doing all right and getting good grades, a future so bright Terry had to wear shades

 

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 Many Thanks,

Roger