I practice 18 hours a week, but my nerves are uncontrollable,

My palms sweat,

My eye twitches,

My coach barks orders at me,

I shuffle my feet,

I itch my leg,

I wait for the judge to salute me,

I stare at the floor, then at the balance beam,

The judge raises the flag,

My heart pounds in my chest, but I take a deep breath,

I smile, and I begin.