could hear people shaking bells. I didn't know who they were cheering for, but all I knew was that this was a whirlwind to take in. The Russian flags were blowing in the wind. It clenched my fist to my chest. It was heart wrenching, just thinking of my family back home. I knew they didn't support me, but I just hoped that somewhere they found it in their hearts to at least watch me on the television.

"Ekaterina, the snow might be a little loose. I want you to stay tight on the turns, and don't look back," my coach said in my ear. "It doesn't matter what happens here, this is just a preliminary round. I know that this is your first major competition, but just do your best." I felt him pat me on the should. I stared at him in the eyes. He was all I had now.

"Pavel, you're all I have now. Thank you for not leaving my side."

Pavel walked away. I turned and faced the hill. The steepness never frightened me, but the way I finished did. "Ekaterina!"

I turned around. "The way you play is golden, even if you're silver."

A grin spread across my face. I could hear the sound of the clock. I glanced at my opponent. "Good luck Katja," I said.

One. Two. Three.

I was off down the slope with a tremendous speed. I didn't pay attention to Katja Daecher who was mirroring my moves. I slid left to right around the flags. I made sure I tipped them the slightest bit, hoping to keep my balance still. I could feel the traction let loose on one of the corners. I nearly slipped, but I recovered. I noticed Katja's board get rugged on the bump. She was well behind me and I finished first.

I slowed down near the fence. I smiled and made sure to wave at the crowd. I searched for Evgeni and Mike, who were sitting in complete separate sections. The cameraman brought the large camera to my face and I backed away slightly, feeling a tad bit crowded.

Katja came up to me after she unlocked her board. She removed her mask and glove. "Ekaterina Ilyukhina, you did good. The snow was little icy, makes it a little hard to turn. I hope to see you again," she said as she shook my hand.

"You were good. I hope to play you too," I spoke.

I unlocked my board and went to look for my crew. I found my coach who was smiling happily. I embraced the man in a tight hug. I was proud to call him my coach of twelve years. "Ekaterina, you handled to weather perfect!"

"Thank you. I tried my best to."

......

I had Evgeni walking towards me. I waved at him for afar. "Evgeni, did you like it?" I asked.
"It was good. I have never been to a snowboarding competition, but it was really cool. I think you did amazing," he embraced me into a hug, "Want to get some dinner?"

"Thank you so much," I smiled, "Mike is here too by the way. Want to invite him to tag along?"

"Da, if he wants."

I noticed Mike approaching us. "Hey Rina," he said.

"Privyet."

"You join Evgeni and I for dinner?"

Mike bit his lip.