Frank Gao, G9, RDF International School Over the past weekend, I embarked on a thrilling journey alongside my buddies to participate in my first downhill mountain bike race. The experience was not only enjoyable but also inspiring. The day before the competition, I visited the race terrain for some pre-event practice and realized that it had been quite some time since my last exercise session. As I grappled with the nerves of navigating downhill terrain for the first time, my friends soon noticed my unease. They invited me to ride with them, sharing experiences gained from their own past competitions. Buoyed by their camaraderie and valuable advice, I gradually relaxed, becoming more confident to take on the challenge. I spent a full day honing my speed and refining my riding techniques. On the day of the competition, I secured a respectable 14th place in the qualifying heat. Entering the final round, my sights were set on breaking into the top 10 among a field of 60 participants. Taking a deep breath, I plunged into the race, pedaling as fast as I could. Focused intently on my goal, I forgot to apply the brakes and moderate my pace. After pedaling at maximum speed for 10 minutes, I felt my muscles growing weaker and weaker. Approaching a tight corner, I suddenly lost control and fell to the ground. Undeterred by this setback, I quickly remounted and continued the ride. Ultimately, I finished the final race in 25th place, despite losing 20 precious seconds due to the earlier mishap. Reflecting on this exhilarating ride, I learned a lesson about the power of maintaining a positive mindset. Before the race, my friends played a critical role in relieving my jitters and instilling in me a sense of positivity towards the challenge ahead. Amidst the trials of the final leg, my ability to remain composed and steadfast in my goal proved pivotal in achieving a good result. This experience taught me about the importance of a positive outlook when faced with difficulty. A positive outlook can serve as a beacon to help us navigate life’s formidable obstacles. | 