I'm not sure specifically as I don't know which 'the contest short story' you are referring to. It could be about a competition, perhaps a writing contest where the story itself is either the entry or about the experiences within the contest.
Well, for a YA short story contest, common requirements include a word count range, like 3,000 to 8,000 words. Also, the story might need to fit within a given genre or topic. And often, there are rules about originality and submission format.
First, have a clear understanding of the contest theme. Then, do extensive research if needed. Polish your writing, check for grammar errors, and make the story emotionally resonant with readers.
Once upon a Halloween night, a little girl dressed as a witch went trick - or - treating. She knocked on an old, creaky door. An old lady opened it and instead of giving candy, she told the girl a spooky story about a ghost that haunted the neighborhood. The girl was so scared that she ran all the way home, forgetting about her candy. But later, she realized it was just a fun part of Halloween.
There might also be a coach or a trainer character. This person could play an important role in preparing the swimmers for the contest, providing guidance and motivation. They could also influence the swimmers' performance and their mental state during the competition.
Another theme could be pride. The participants in the contest might be driven by their pride, either to prove themselves or to uphold their honor. In the story, their actions and decisions during the contest could be influenced by this sense of pride.