zdenek-50220598 @zdenek-50220598
I am Xicha. I've been training since I was nine years old to be the best high jumper in China. My parents say it's a waste of time but my coaches believe that I have the potential to represent my country at the Olympics one day.
I don't really enjoy running track and field events anymore because they remind me how average I am compared to other athletes who are so much taller than me. My height is actually considered small for a high jumper, which makes it even harder to compete with my peers. Sometimes I wish I could just be like everyone else, not stick out like a sore thumb.
But when I'm on the track and in competition mode, all of those negative thoughts disappear. The thrill of victory is what keeps me going, even if it's an illusion most of the time. My favorite part of training is when we go to the stadium because the atmosphere there reminds me of my childhood days playing with friends in the park.
