The Woman who Stole the Sun
The athlete speaks of the long road to glory.
What kind of epilogue will the interpretation of the Laurants bring about?
“I’m Kue, a freelancer journalist. Thank you for giving me this opportunity today.
I’d like to get started right away if you don’t mind, but do you remember who your first rival was?”
My first <strong opponent>[rival] was
My energetic <cousin with a bun>
I was frustrated at losing
So I wished to become faster → than anyone else
In the shrine at the back,
using <whatever pocket money I earned from helping out with chores>
And before I realized…
The match ended in my victory!
“I just had a bad day, that’s all!”
Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose
That’s just how it works, right?
But…
I want to do better, be stronger tomorrow…
Don’t just look at
<One facet of a person, be it their strength or weakness>
And
<Weaponize admiration and pity>[Think you’ve seen it all]
My assertive voice… And my vulnerable expression…
Are both [me]
“It’s been a while! It’s me, Kue again.
Have you been recovering well?
I was very inspired by you taking on the challenge of long jumps,
But how did you do your training?”
“Hey, did you hear Kijihiko died in a car crash the other day?”
“No way!”
“Damn, I was his fan before he even went to the major leagues…”
“I can’t believe it…he’s trending alongside ‘illegal drugs’!?”
I simply tried to move forwards…
Faster than anyone else…
However…
My feelings alone…
Won’t teach my body how to move…
So training became my <daily regime>...
And it won’t let me down!
Isn’t that wonderful?
And I’m rewarded with
<A personal best that has plenty of room to grow>[My best time]
And <increasing my top speed>
Directly translates into longer jump distances—------------
“Are you ready?”
But carelessness always hides
“Yes!”
“Ready, steady?”
In the shadow of victory
“All ready!”
“On your mark, set and-”
A monster in itself
“I’m off!”
“1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 2, 3, 4 GO!?”
“One baked sweet potato coming up!”
“Huh!?”
“Oooouch!”
The Sweet Potato Trap Incident: This refers to the incident where Ameno (Mikage) accidentally performed her jump on the 13th step instead of the 15 that she had planned for, leading to her covering insufficient ground to reach the sand pit, instead landing on the runway. Though she reacted instantly and shielded herself from the impact, she suffered severe ankle sprains. This is also what led to coach Ameno (Iwamado) performing the counting calls in future events.
“Kue again, thanks for giving me this <virtual opportunity>.
I’m sure all athletes are facing challenging times right now,
But we’ve overcome all that with the hosting of the paralympics.
What did you have to change in your training because of the coronavirus?”
What about the track and field events?
<Coronavirus> means they’re axed, axed!
What about restarting my training?
We need to <weigh the risks> and find an opportunity, but we can’t relax, relax!
If there’s no <magical dessert>[cake], just get some sweets instead!
Can’t I just train in the park?
<A public space that can be a sports stadium substitute>...
You know…
Everything’s in lockdown save for the <deserted children’s park>!
I dig ← I bury
I dig ← I bury
This sand pit won’t get any bigger!
Stop trying to make a sand pit!
One way → or another
One way → or another
We can’t get anywhere without a sand pit!?
<I just wanna do it!>[I wanna]
<Practicing your jumps here!?>[Nope]
<I really wanna do it!>[I wanna]
<Doing your reps here?>[Nope]
<A clear goal in mind>[I wanna]
<But the methods are in question>[Nope]
<Going back and forth>[Mille-feuille]
<Back and forth>[Mille-feuille]
“Hey…<my uncle that just says no>[Mado-chan],
Can you try to think of something?
Aren’t you a <competent coach>?”
“Hmm…”
“How about some <resistance band training to practice your takeoffs>?”
“That’s it!💡”
“Yo, isn’t that Ameno?”
“Nice try…wait, you’re right, that’s her!”
“Hey, why don’t you go get her autograph?”
“What!? Don’t screw with me, you go!”
“Kue here once more. Let me first congratulate you on your gold medal!
You’re the first in the nation to achieve this impressive feat in the women’s long jump T11 class…
Can you tell me your honest feelings on this matter?”
“...”
I…thank you…
To be quite honest…
It all feels…rather surreal…
I mean…
Some people even say…
That I’m not the real [champion]..
“People overseas have been calling me a medal thief, even…”
“Hey, stop it with that topic! Y-”
But if…
People want me to become the real [champion]..
I’ll try my best again,
For all your sakes!
For my <parents, little brother, and cousin etc>[family] who’ve always supported me
For my <best partner>[coach] who has always believed in me
And all my <fellow countrymen in the Akitsu Kingdom>!!!
“Aaah this is irritating!!
I’m just gonna say it.
This isn’t for any of you.
This is pissing me off.
I am Number 1.
And I’ll prove it to you all,
Just wait and see in Verseine 2024!!”
“Ah…she’s gone and said it…”
“Aaaahh!”
“Where the fuck are you looking, bitch!?
You’re gonna make me late to my meeting.”