Bart was supposed to be a star! Scratch that – a superstar!
Coach used to claim that Bart’s mother had somehow mated with a sailfish to produce him. That nickname stuck. He was that quick. Once, he lapped the person who finished second in the 1500m freestyle – thrice. The guy who lost wept openly due to the humiliation.
He’s the world champion now, with golds in Olympics.
Bart is confined to a wheelchair these days. A freak mishap in the pool had rendered him quadriplegic.
Sometimes, I’ve seen him stare into the pool. I don’t know whether its love or hate.
Written for the weekly Friday Fictioneers, hosted by Rochelle. Please add your stories and read others here.
L.E.R.T 
Oh, how the might doth fall. A very fine tale of fame too easily lost.
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How sad. I think it would be reasonable to have feelings of both love and hate.
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And it really does happen. Very well written, totally believable.
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Dear Varad,
Such a tragic story. Sadly, there are true stories like this. Well told.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Who was responsible for making Bart quadriplegic? So unfortunate. Could it be the Olympic champion?
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At least he has medals to remind him that he reached his goal.
Rosey, a joke and some wine!.
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Was it revenge that left Bart in a wheelchair?
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To go from triumph to this…. but maybe he did made that mate of his a champion…
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Betrayal, envy…so much said in that last line.
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Such a sad ending. Nice take on the prompt.
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A tragic tale. From one end of the spectrum to the other in such a short time
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A classic tale of sporting triumph and tragedy.
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