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The Most Moving Experience in a 15 Year Old's Life (February 22)
I couldn't wait for February 17 to come. That was the day when I was chosen to present a bouquet of flowers to the winners of the ski jumping team event.When I got up in the morning, though, it was snowing hard. And it was really windy, too. "Are they going to be able to jump today?" That was the thought that crossed my mind as I got ready to leave the house.
Just as I had suspected, the start of competition was delayed. It started at 10 in the morning, half an hour behind schedule. After the first series of jumps, Japan was in fourth place. Sigh. People had high expectations that we would win the gold, but as things stood, Japan wouldn't even earn a medal.
The jumpers dashed down the hill for their second attempts. First Takanobu Okabe, then Hiroya Saito, Masahiko Harada, and finally Kazuyoshi Funaki. Wow, what super jumps! With one great leap after another, Japan came from behind to finish first! The crowd went crazy, and I got goose pimples all over.
The four Japanese jumpers hugged each other right before my eyes. There were tears in Harada's eyes, and Funaki wore a broad smile. It was an unforgettable moment.
At the flower-presentation ceremony, I handed my bouquet to Funaki. I can't explain in words how deeply I was moved when he smiled at me and said "Thank you" as he shook my hand. It was probably the most moving experience I ever had in my 15-year life. And I don't think I'll ever forget it, not even 10 or 20 years from now.
(Reported by Aya Matsuzawa, Hakuba Middle School)
The Japanese team took gold at the Hakuba jump hills.
Students wait to give flowers to the winning ski jumping teams.
Bouquet presenters from Hakuba Middle School