Chapter Text
OLYMPIC DREAMS.
ATLANTA, USA 1996.
The sun shone above her, its heat making her stomach roll.
She had made it to the final of the Women's 100 meters.
Breathing deeply, Claudia Black stood in the Australian colours.
On Claudia's left in lane two was the American runner, who's name Claudia couldn't remember, or even care about. The person to Claudia's right in lane four, however, was the favourite to win. The British runner, Jessica Lees.
'Over my dead body' Claudia had thought when she'd read that.
"Stay focused, don't do anything stupid, do your best. There's no tomorrow, just today." Claudia's coach, James had said just moments ago.
'I have to beat the Brit, I will beat the Brit' She thought to herself. 'I wont be beaten by the Brit.'
A unseen male voice called out over the tanoy, to announce the runners and their countries.
"In lane Two, representing the United States of America, Tammy Jamiesson." The home crowd's cheers echoed throughout the stadium.
"In lane Three, representing Australia, Claudia Black" The cheers were still loud, and the Australian supporters made their presents known.
"In lane Four, representing Great Britain, Jessica Lees." The cheers were loud, and many Union Jack flags were waving.
The male voice continued to call the seven runners names and countries out.
The silence descended on the crowd.
"Take your marks"
All seven runners moved into their starting blocks.
Claudia felt sick with nerves. Her personal best at the 100 meters was 11.032 seconds.
"Breathe" She told herself silently, "You can do this."
"SET"
Claudia lent her weight forward onto her hands.
"BANG"
The crowd roared their support for the runners.
Claudia got a good, no, great start, already running ahead of the other six runners.
The race ended.
"Gold medal and the new Olympic record goes to the Australian runner Claudia Black , Silver to American Tammy Jamiesson, and Bronze to the Italian Francesca Lotta."
As Claudia sat on the track trying to catch her breath, she could see the British runner in tears at coming fifth, having been beaten by the Canadian runner.
"Well done" Said the American runner to Claudia as she stood.
"Thanks" Claudia replied.
**
Ben Browder sat watching the race from the coaching area, and was impressed by the winner.
Behind him, in the public seating area were three men who judging from their comments didn't know how to talk about women runners with respect.
"Got talent, that winner does" Laughed one.
"In more ways than one" Said another.
"Fucksake" Ben muttered under his breath, and left to speak to the runner from his team. He hated to hear men talking about women that way. He passed the winner from Australia who was talking to the media from her own country.
"So Claudia, Olympic champion, how you feeling right now?" The reporter asked.
'Stupid question' Ben thought to himself as he passed.
"Well, completely amazed, I never thought that I'd win, or even qualify for the final, but I did." Claudia beamed at the reporter.
'Holy shit, that voice, that accent' Ben thought as he stood talking to his runner nearby.