Wednesday, April 21st. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Pam American Championship.
𝘉𝘶𝘴 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱
“Go, go, go, go, go,” Pyrrros is chanting as we stagger towards the bus that just pulled up to the front doors of the weightlifting arena.
The mint-green behemoth opens its doors and we excitedly make our way up the stairs and to leather seats that would soon become up-right beds.
Mike and Pyrros sit in the front of the bus, across the aisle from each other with the rest of Team USA filling in behind.
It was a few minutes of bliss - the promise of getting back to the resort without the need for an Uber or other taxi service - before Mike finally allowed himself to take a breath.
“Incredible,” the word is nearly lost in the buzz of chatter from everyone reveling in the idea of getting back to the resort for a plate of hot food just before the buffet would close. He looks over to Pyrros who had pulled out an iPad to entertain himself for the 40 minute drive back. “That was incredible”.
- 𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘳 -
Nathan had a monster of a performance.
We’re talking about PR snatch, PR clean and jerk, PR total.
He did his job.
But it wasn’t going to be enough for a medal; there were a few folks that would edge him out for a bronze.
Or at least that’s what was assumed.
But after Damron left the stage; falling into the arms of Dave, allowing the dust from his competition to settle, a lifter would come out on stage and miss all three clean and jerk attempts.
This opened the door for Nathan, who had already put in every kilo of effort, to take home some hardware.
It was unexpected.
Mike gleefully pulled his American flag from the sealed zip-lock bag he stored it in, draping it over the shoulders of Nathan. He carried it to the stage where he would have a medal draped ‘round his neck; accumulating another for Team USA’s growing count.
As customary, Nathan made his way to the back room where he helped Mike fold the stars and stripes - a tradition that has been the experience for everyone who has medaled recently with Mike in their presence.
Time was taken - patience was high after such an unexpected and well-deserved victory for Nathan. After the flag was folded, Kelsey would interview Nathan and the rest of the team would be idle for the decisions that would follow - who would stay for drug testing, what the plans for the next day were, when was the next bus coming…
Kelsey smiled as she ended the interview and congratulated Nathan. Arrangements were made and we all headed outside to see the last bus pull away.
“Is there another bus coming?” I asked to no one in particular, and no one answered.
“Just our luck,” I hear Lorene say, as she tore in front of the group. “Every time”.
There was a moment where we all just stood around, looking at each other. I would like to think we were waiting for someone to come up with a solution, but really, it just seemed like we were all just anxiously coming to the conclusion that we may have to find another way back.
“Well, I’m going to sit down,” Mike said. He was angling towards the center, walking towards the curb. Stew laughed and I couldn’t help but join him. It all seemed so ridiculous; probably because we were all so exhausted. We all followed suit; the whole lot of Americans who were so exhausted from the high of seeing Nathan being awarded.
“I thought today was supposed to be the short day?” I asked him and he just shrugged. Being who we are, we just wound up shooting a bunch of photos to pass the time. Lorene was making suggestions about what to do next, but I don’t know if anyone was really believing that it would be necessary to call a taxi or a bus service.
“Is that a bus?” Lorene said. I looked over my shoulder to see a mint green bus that looked as though it was straight out of a 70’s hippie’s convention - with wild drapes with tassels over each window. Before I could process that we would be making it to the resort at some point that evening, everyone was hauling ass towards the vehicle.
- 𝘕𝘰𝘸 -
The bus has been idling for twenty minutes.
What we were hoping was going to be a smooth getaway has turned into wondering if the bus was ever going to move.
My eyelids were beginning to feel heavier than what my ability to keep them open could handle when Nathan, Dave, and the rest of the tested athletes took their tired, victorious steps on board.
There’s a small collection of clapping and cheering, albeit reserved, from the bus as they make their way to the back where there is more than enough room for everyone to sprawl out. A few moments later, the driver closes the door and the engine roars under the pressure of his foot on the gas pedal.
We are going to make it home.
