I woke up in a cold sweat. The clock read 2:14 A.M. This has been happening more and more often as I get closer to being able to compete for my dream. My dream is to win the 100 meter race in the olympics. Ever since I was a kid, it has been my goal. This wasn’t typical for a guy like me, who was six foot nothin’, one hundred and nothin’. Oh, and growing up with my dad being the President of the United States. All of his work, and all of  his stress, I never wanted. Running would always take me away from things. I reluctantly went back to sleep, based on the fact that I had to get up at 4:45 for my first workout of the day.
    We are the Champions by Queen sounded as my phone buzzed and vibrated by my head. Time to get up, Travis. Every morning I have to motivate myself to keep going, to reach my goal, and this is the last day before the race. I look at my morning text from my coach, who always sent me inspirational quotes in preparation for a bid day. It reads, “Impossible is just a mindset. Go get ‘em tiger. -Coach Ryan.” After I get dressed, I step outside to feel the cool morning air, and the buzz of Tokyo. Life could be worse.
    As I’m coming home from my quick two-mile run, I see an all black escalade waiting in the hotel parking lot I’m staying at. What does he want? I walk inside, not at all surprised to see my father sitting in the love seat, with two stone-faced secret service men standing by his sides.
    “Hello, son.” my dad said in a stoic voice.
    “What brings you here?” I replied in an equally expressionless voice. My father and I have had a rocky relationship, with him wanting me to follow his footsteps and go to Harvard Law School. Ever since I chose to go to Texas A&M to run track, and major in physical education, he has acted increasingly disappointed, even after I had the fastest time at the collegiate level. Texas A&M has always been my dream school, and in my mind, is the greatest school in existence, which has been proven year after year. He never understood me, probably because he was caught up in his work, like always. Now, at the age of 24, I finally have a good shot at winning the Olympics.
    “I just came to say good luck, and to say that all of America is watching you, so you better not let me down.”
    Just what I needed to hear. I was close to having a nervous breakdown, so that was the last phrase that I wanted to hear come out of my Dad’s mouth. I went to bed soon after, thinking about what he told me.
    I couldn’t sleep all night, with the anticipation and the pressure of the huge race ahead of me. I ate my wheaties and eggs as my usual pre-meet breakfast. Of course he’s on the box. Staring right back at me was my main competition, Yohan Blake, with his eyes full of pure determination. I shook off my temporary cloud of doubtfulness in myself competing, and headed out of my apartment. Here we go.
    I arrived at the stadium, and it was completely packed with fans. The place was so alive with energy that it boosted me, and the noise was absolutely deafening. I began my warm-up shortly after, so in the zone that even seeing Taylor Swift couldn’t even take me out of.
    “Remember Travis, I’ve always believed in you, so just go out there and compete like I know you can!”
    “Thanks, Coach, any last advice?” I asked.
    “Don’t look back.” He said with a smirk.
The minutes ticked away until it was finally time to race. Lets win this.
    “Good luck, mon.” Yohan Blake said to me, with an obvious condescending tone.
    “yeah, you too.” I replied. He won this race in the last olympics, so the same result was expected. But i’m going to change that. I got down onto the blocks and waited for the starting gun. When it fired, I went with more explosiveness that I’ve ever had.
    When the race finished, I looked at the clock, and I was shocked. I won! I did it! My raw emotion and pure happiness made me break down to tears. I held the American flag over my shoulders and just stared at the crowd, absorbing this whole moment. This was what I wanted. And I got it.
    “You did it trav!” my coach yelled at me with delightment, as he almost knocked me over with his hug.
    “Thanks to you!” I said back with a grin from ear to ear. I look over to see a lone runner come over to me. It was Yohan.
    “You really surprised me out there, even after I saw you smoke the prelims.” Yohan said to me.
    “Well I’m glad I could impress.” I said back quickly. I turn around and see a squad of men in black come towards me. Dad. The group of men opened up, revealing my father, with a look on his face that I will never forget. He was smiling at me, which is just as rare as an underdog winning a race as big as this.
    “You did well, son, I always knew you could do it.” my father said, with a tear in his eye. I went over and hugged my dad, an act which I haven’t done since as long as I can remember. This is a moment that will stick out above all else. Not the race, or the crowd, but this moment that my dad and I can share.