Chapter 80: The Olympic Dream

The world outside Rohan's apartment was bustling as usual—cars honking, vendors calling out to passersby, and children playing cricket in the streets below. But inside, it was silent except for the rhythmic sound of Rohan's breathing as he stared at the whiteboard on the wall in front of him.

The word "Olympics" was written in bold letters at the top, and beneath it, a list of goals and milestones he needed to hit before the qualification rounds began. The board was a roadmap, a reminder of the path ahead—a path that would demand everything from him, both physically and mentally.

The Olympics. The pinnacle of every athlete's career, a stage where only the very best competed. For as long as Rohan could remember, the thought of competing at the Olympics had been his ultimate dream. And now, after all the highs and lows of his journey, that dream was within reach. But it wasn't going to be easy. In fact, Rohan knew this would be his toughest challenge yet. The competition would be fiercer than anything he had faced before, and the odds were stacked against him.

But that didn't matter.

Rohan had always thrived on challenges. From his humble beginnings in the village fields to the grueling months of rehabilitation after his injury, he had learned that nothing worth having came without struggle. And this—this dream of standing on the Olympic track, competing against the world's best—was worth everything.

He glanced at the clock. It was 5:30 a.m.—time to train.

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The next few weeks marked the beginning of an intense new chapter in Rohan's training. Every day started at dawn, with Rohan hitting the track before the sun had fully risen. His mornings were dedicated to speed work and endurance runs, each session designed to push him to his physical limits. In the afternoons, he focused on strength training and injury prevention exercises, ensuring that his body was in peak condition.

But it wasn't just his body that needed conditioning—his mind had to be sharper than ever. The Olympics weren't just about physical prowess; they were about mental toughness. Rohan had learned that during his comeback from injury, and now, he doubled down on his mental training. Each evening, he worked with Dr. Sunil Kapoor, the sports psychologist who had helped him navigate the psychological challenges of competitive running.

"Your mind is going to be just as important as your legs," Dr. Kapoor reminded him during one of their sessions. "At the Olympics, the pressure is unlike anything you've experienced. You're not just racing for yourself—you're racing for your country. The whole world will be watching."

Rohan knew that. He had seen the Olympic races, watched the athletes who crumbled under the weight of the expectations and those who thrived under the same pressure. He wanted to be one of the latter.

But Dr. Kapoor wasn't just preparing him for the pressure; he was also helping him fine-tune his focus. They spent hours working on visualization techniques, with Rohan imagining himself at the Olympic starting line, the roar of the crowd, the heat of the competition. He visualized every step of the race, every moment of doubt, and how he would push through it. He imagined the final stretch, the finish line within reach, and the burst of energy that would carry him across it.

"See it before it happens," Dr. Kapoor would say. "If you can see it, you can make it happen."

Rohan took those words to heart. Every time he trained, every time he ran, he pictured the Olympic track beneath his feet. It became his mantra—*see it, make it happen*.

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As the weeks turned into months, Rohan's life became singularly focused on the Olympics. Everything else faded into the background—media appearances, social events, even time with his family. His parents were supportive, of course, but there were moments when Rohan felt the strain of isolation. He missed his brother Rahul's teasing, his mother's comforting meals, and the simple conversations with his father. But Rohan knew that this sacrifice was necessary. The Olympics demanded complete dedication.

One evening, after an especially brutal training session, Rohan sat on the edge of his bed, his body aching from the day's exertion. His phone buzzed on the nightstand, and when he picked it up, he saw a message from Rahul.

"Hey bhaiya, haven't heard from you in a while. Everything okay? Don't forget to eat and rest too! Can't wait to see you kill it at the Olympics. Proud of you."

Rohan smiled at the message, his heart warming at his brother's words. He hadn't realized how distant he had become in his laser focus on training. But this message reminded him that while the Olympics were his goal, he still had people who loved and supported him, regardless of the outcome.

That night, Rohan called his family for the first time in weeks. His mother's voice was full of warmth and concern, asking if he was eating enough, if he was taking care of himself. His father's voice, steady as always, reminded him to stay grounded. And Rahul—Rahul just teased him, as usual, saying that Rohan's serious face during interviews made him look "too cool."

After the call, Rohan felt lighter. It was a reminder that no matter how intense his training became, he needed balance. The Olympics were important, but so was staying connected to the people who mattered most.

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The Olympic qualification events were fast approaching, and Rohan could feel the pressure mounting. The competition in the qualifiers would be tough. Some of the runners he had competed against in the World Championships would be there, and they would all be gunning for the limited spots available.

Ms. Mehra, ever the realist, kept Rohan focused during their training sessions.

"We're not aiming to just qualify, Rohan. We're aiming to make a statement. You've come back from injury, you've proved yourself at the World Championships, and now it's time to show everyone that you're not just back—you're better than ever."

Her words were always sharp, cutting through any lingering doubts he had. But there were days when Rohan struggled. The training was grueling, and some days, his body felt like it was on the verge of breaking. His hamstring, though strong, still reminded him of the past, and there were moments when he feared reinjury. But each time the doubt crept in, Rohan remembered the lessons he had learned from his recovery—how he had overcome adversity.