Chapter 386: The Meaning of Running (1/2)
Chapter 386: The Meaning of Running
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
”In the selection of the World Championship in Athletics that ended today, the 'blade warrior,' Barron Phillip, who participated in a race for normal people for the very first time, has obtained the second place in his group. He has successfully advanced to tomorrow's final.”
Accompanied by the sweet voice of the news anchor, a photograph of Phillip running appeared on the upper right side of the television screen.
It was a very brief sports news broadcast. A simple statement paired with a blurry photography. In fact, there wasn't even a second of video recording.
Time on live television was precious. The US had a great variety of sports games and matches, and there was never a lack of programs to broadcast. In comparison, the public was obviously less interested in sports news. Sports news was only the results, which was never as exciting and enjoyable as a live game. As such, on television, sports news was always as short and straightforward as possible. Broadcasting games and matches were the principal methods of increasing television ratings.
However, when it came to online media, they were much more generous. Text articles, pictures, and even a video of a few minutes—it was only a short string of data on the server. They didn't need to pursue excellence like on television media; on the contrary, the more internet content there was, the better.
News of Phillip advancing to the finals had become viral on the internet. The US had always been a country that advocated personal heroism with characters such as Superman, Captain America, Iron Man, etc., who were all loved by the American people. And in the eye of the general public, Phillip had somehow become the ”Broken Leg Man.”
When a person whose legs had been amputated competed against an able-bodied person, it was always going to be new and exciting, not to mention that Phillip had made it to the finals with his strength.
As a disabled person, he would already have gained extra sympathy under normal circumstances, and in any country, a disabled person who strived for improvement and never gave up would be seen as a role model.
An able-bodied person might sympathize with Phillip and give him encouraging applause, but a disabled person would identify with Phillip and idolize him.
When Phillip made his appearance on the field during the finals, the most enthusiastic and passionate cheers suddenly erupted from all over the stadium.
”Blade warrior! Blade warrior! Blade warrior!” the crowd shouted in unison.
There were even people who held and waved around giant banners or photographs of Phillip in the stands. The competition hadn't started, but the stadium had already reached its boiling point, as people shouted and cheered for Phillip.
Phillip sat down and did some simple warm-ups. He raised his legs and stretched his waist, looking a little nervous. Even when the commentator announced his name and the camera closed in on him for a close-up, he only smiled shyly.
However, when Phillip's smile appeared on the big screen, the most passionate of cheers reverberated within the stadium.
Phillip was dumbfounded. He had never felt so much applause, not to mention the cheers that he was hearing. At that moment, Phillip suddenly felt that he was surrounded by happiness.
This applause, these cheers, they're all for me? Phillip looked around. He saw the people holding his photograph, as well as the people who lifted huge banners. Unconsciously, Phillip raised both his arms above his head and waved them around to pay tribute to all who supported him.
They've recognized me! Phillip suddenly realized.
Phillip wrinkled his nose as tears formed in his eyes. He really needed this feeling of acceptance!
Phillip looked around.
In the stands right in front of him, a young man in a wheelchair was shouting at the top of his lungs.
In the stands far behind him, a man on crutches held a big banner with the words 'Blade Warrior' written on it.
And in the first row of the stands closest to him, a frail-looking man with red hair looked at him with a face full of expectation.
That's Jonny! Phillip recognized that person. He had been Phillip's comrade during the war, the ex-Army Sergeant, Jonny. He became addicted to drugs after returning to the country, and had since become a homeless person.
Jonny also noticed that Phillip had seen him. He smiled at Phillip and held out his hand at the same time, encouraging Phillip with a big thumbs up.
At that moment, Phillip felt that he had an additional purpose, and it was not heavy but full of hope.
I finally understand the meaning of me continuing to run! It's not so that I can gain recognition, it's not about getting equal respect, it is to give hope to those who were in despair, to tell them to not give up on life!
Phillip lowered his head to look at the prosthesis that had accompanied him for many years. Although he had lost both his legs, he had never given up hope.
Phillip's eyes suddenly became clear; he now had an objective, a clear purpose that would support him to continue running.
He completed his preparation and awaited the signal that would start the race.
...
The sound of a gunshot. Phillip dashed forward, away from the starting line like a runaway stallion.
”Eh?” Dai Li uttered curiously. He was the first to notice that something had changed in Phillip's body.
Dai Li had been with Phillip for a very long time, and so he knew Phillip from the inside out. At that moment, Dai Li saw something he had never seen before in Phillip.
Dai Li could see that Phillip was, at that moment, very focused and resilient. However, Dai Li could not put into words the transformation that Phillip had undergone.
It was belief. It could not easily be put into words; however, it brought with it courage and an unyielding spirit.
As Phillip ran, passionate cheers reverberated from the stands that he passed. People were shouting ”blade warrior,” and no one could keep their eyes off him. He had undoubtedly become the focus of the entire stadium.
...
On the main stands, the CEO of the American Track and Field Association, Williams, was seated in the middle, maintaining his calm and collected composure.
However, the wild cheers surrounding him continued to stir his heart.
He gazed at the race track and looked at the legless athlete who was running with a pair of prosthesis.
”Blade warrior…” Williams kept repeating the name in a whisper. A mysterious sense of affection rose from deep within his heart.
He lost both his legs, but he's still putting so much effort into running. His belief must be firm to have persevered to this point! Williams thought with a deep breath. In his mind, he had already rejected all of Lopez's previous opinions.
If he only wanted to boost his fame using this competition, he didn't need to go this far. This ”blade warrior” ran for his dreams… Williams suddenly felt that letting Phillips participate in the competition might have been the right thing to do.
...