The Genius Decided To Live An Ordinary Life [EN]: Chapter 287

Before heading to the finals, I decided to take care of a few things. First, my younger sister’s messy hair needed attention.

“Ouch, that hurts!” Yu-jin complained.

“I need to comb it neatly,” I replied, gently working through the tangles.

Whenever I had the time, I would comb Yu-jin’s hair. It was a task my mother had given me, not wanting her daughter to look like a beggar. So, since arriving in Atlanta, I hadn’t missed a single day. Even if my mother hadn’t insisted, the act of stroking and combing my sister’s hair helped calm my mind and sharpen my focus.

How well you manage pressure is a crucial factor in performance. Athletes consumed by tension are already defeated before the race even begins. And if you examine why some athletes struggle to manage their condition, mental issues are often the root cause. In other words, the mind affects the body… a well-known fact.

That’s why many athletes have hobbies involving repetitive hand movements to soothe their minds.

Jeff Williams’ hobby is knitting…

‘The beauty of the end…’

…is what Kim Sun-bok says when referring to Cha Yu-jong’s mother from the next village. They say you must achieve the beauty of the end.

I’ve already achieved significant results. The glorious experience of standing on the podium with my teammates. My growth as an athlete is also an achievement not to be overlooked. I’ve mastered the skill of distributing my stamina according to the set distance and pouring all my strength into the race. I’ve also found a way to naturally synchronize my breathing with subtle changes in my running style without breaking my rhythm.

I’ve also mentally prepared myself to enjoy the big stage rather than being intimidated by it.

‘And I’ve expanded my network.’

I’ve made connections with world-class athletes and established future relationships. A social creature that has expanded its reach globally, beyond family, village, school, and country.

‘Is it because it’s the finals? I feel a bit lonely and complicated.’

It didn’t seem to be just because it was the Olympics. Even though I’ve always competed alone since high school, my feelings are different from domestic competitions now.

“If things get rough, pretend to stumble and push them with your shoulder. If you shoulder-check someone, even Rambo would fly to the moon,” Jin Sun-kyu said, talking nonsense since it wasn’t his race.

It must be because Jin Sun-kyu, who’s talking nonsense since it’s not his race, isn’t running with me in the finals.

“Ahaha, Uncle Sun-kyu is funny,” Yu-jin giggled.

And it must be because I’m afraid of disappointing Hong Su-jeong, who has cheered for me in every single race.

“Hey, don’t call me uncle. You should call me ‘Oppa’ now,” Jin Sun-kyu insisted.

“I only call ‘Jail Oppa’ as Oppa. I don’t call my cousins Oppa either. I just talk to them about what I need,” Yu-jin retorted.

“How cold. Hmm, how cold,” Jin Sun-kyu said, feigning sadness as he turned away.

I smiled at Jin Sun-kyu and focused on combing Yu-jin’s hair, gently using a wide-toothed comb.

“Ouch!” Yu-jin exclaimed again.

Thanks to my younger sister Yu-jin, who cheered for her brother with a lion’s roar, I also benefited greatly.

‘Her hair curls every time I comb it.’

The curls are so strong, it’s like she got a perm. Is it because my sister loves ramen?

My mom said that when she was young, her hair also curled up wildly like a lion’s mane. She said the curls weakened as she grew up.

‘Is it only for girls?’

It’s a strange phenomenon. Jin-hyuk and Jeong-won only have slight waves.

Following the texture of her hair, sometimes straight, sometimes like a comb that gets caught, I let my mind wander. Forcibly guiding it in a specific direction is artificial and contrived.

‘It’s not bad, but can life be entirely contrived?’

I prefer the natural flow. If everything unfolds exactly as someone intended, what kind of life is that, and what fun is there in such a life? Unexpected situations happen, and accidents occur. These events come together to make up life, and that is the true fun of life, which I now understand.

So, I leave my daydreams and work plans to the flow of my consciousness as much as possible. If I encounter an obstacle, I detour; if I’m blocked, I push through; and even if the road is wide open, I look around and walk slowly.

Only within my own winding, flowing thoughts can a human be truly natural and free. Thanks to that, I was able to become a confident member of society in the past without being consumed by darkness.

Unleash the shackles, think, daydream, and dream.

“Oppa, I can take care of Yu-jin,” Su-jeong offered.

“Uh-huh, it’s okay. I’m relaxing by combing her hair. Can Su-jeong tie it up? She’s better than me,” I replied.

“Yes-” Su-jeong took the comb and hair tie, and I did a final check. All that check was, was to brush off the dust on my spikes.

I closed my eyes as if praying. I placed the spikes on my hands and put them on my stomach, and prayed.

‘Please take care of me.’

I even felt a sense of solemnity, as if I had become a gladiator facing a life-or-death battle. This is also a special feeling when facing the 200m final. It’s new to be alone.

* * *

Arrived at the stadium and tightened the studs. Two in the first row, two in the second row, and one each on the inside of the foot in the fourth row, which is located in the middle.

‘0.4 inches is right for me.’

The studs were also custom-made by the General Research Institute. They said they used some kind of alloy to reduce the weight even a little bit compared to the standard products. The weight of the studs doesn’t make a big difference to the athletes. After all, the standard products are also very light. However, no one can ignore the attempt to improve, the courage. The streams of research and challenge come together to form a river of development. That river will travel through time to reach the sea and show off its brilliant shimmer to the world.

Tonight.

I blew off the dust from my spotless spikes and gently brushed them with my hand. How many times did I take them off and put them back on to give tension to my feet? An announcement was made for the athletes to enter.

[Ladies and gentlemen, we will have the men’s 200m final shortly.]

Wow-!

While warming up behind the starting blocks, I made eye contact with Michael Johnson. Michael Johnson, with his rather challenging eyes, turned away as if showing off his duck butt.

‘Good concentration.’

Many athletes, before the finals, would just nod lightly or ignore you even if they made eye contact. It’s an unintentional behavior that comes from focusing inward during an important competition. So, there’s nothing to be upset or disappointed about.

‘He’s an athlete with clear strengths and weaknesses.’

[-Position.]

In our language, it would be something like ‘to your position’ or ‘get in position’. Finally, the athletes took their places in front of the starting blocks.

[Lane 1, Michael Marsh-. USA.]

Wow-!

Michael Marsh, backed by the home crowd, gave a thumbs up to the camera. Marsh was in lane 1 during the 100m as well, is he a lane 1 specialist?

Hey, don’t forget to order my dad’s running shoes when the Olympics are over. It’s been a month since the prototype, so there must have been several improvements. There are many people at the General Research Institute who are crazy about research.

[Lane 2, Jeff Williams-. USA.]

Wow-!

Jeff Williams, who was the mood maker during the adaptation training period along with Jonathan, also confidently made it to the final stage. His white teeth, contrasting with his skin, are beautiful.

[Lane 3, Michael Johnson-. USA.]

Half of the track was filled with USA athletes.

Wowwwww-!

The stadium was shaking. The cheers for the owner of the golden spikes easily surpassed the previous two athletes. It was proof that the United States had high expectations for Michael Johnson. It was thanks to the massive promotion that he was aiming for the first-ever Olympic 200m and 400m double gold, which had been going on throughout the Olympics.

[Lane 4-.]

The camera came to Jin-hyuk. A shy finger heart-.

Many people in the world might wonder what that signal is, but my family and friends at home will know. And Hong Gi-jun, too.

***

Men 200m Athletics XXVI Olympic Atlanta, United States 1996.

Thursday, 1st August.

Final.

L1. Michael Marsh. United States.

L2. Jeff Williams. United States.

L3. Michael Johnson. United States.

L4. Jinhyeok Son. Korea.

L5. Frank Fredericks. Namibia.

L6. Ato Boldon. Trinidad Tobago.

L7. Patrick Stevens. Bellgium.

L8. Ivan Garcia. Cuba.

[Lane 4, Jin-hyeok Son-. Korea.]

Kyaaaa-.

Wowwwww-!

Even Son Yu-jin’s lion’s roar couldn’t dominate the stadium this time. The cheers from the crowd for the young 100m champion were that intense.

Frank Fredericks was in lane 5, just like in the 100m final. As an athlete who showed top-class skills in both events, he occupied the central track. The public’s assessment that he was consistent was correct.

Frank Fredericks pondered the words Jin-hyuk had said when they met in the athletes’ waiting room.

– “Follow follow me.”

What the…… It wasn’t the nuance of a young kid making fun of an adult just because he was good at running. It was a heavy tone, a word he uttered as he passed by.

Frank Fredericks wasn’t someone who reacted to provocations, and no matter who said what, the fact that he had to pour all his strength into the race remained unchanged.

[Lane 8, Ivan Garcia-. Cuba-.]

After the introduction of the athletes up to lane 8, the audience held their breath on their own.

Hmm-hmm-.

Strange?

Why are the assistants blocking access to the track when only half the track is being used? Only some of the spectators who had been watching the race preparation process with interest expressed their doubts. It’s always right to keep the track clear. However, the cleanliness, different from the semi-finals, caught the attention of the sharp-eyed spectators.

Woo-woo-. Zzz-.

[On your mark.]

If you watch without thinking, it’s a really short time. Placing your thumb and index finger on the starting line, and putting your feet on the starting blocks. However, for athletes who are more familiar with it than eating, it’s the most boring yet longest time. It’s as if the time they’ve spent running every day for years to run for just 20 seconds is meaningless.

[Get set.]

An even shorter time was given. When they stretch their legs, sprinters feel pressure on their solar plexus to the point of feeling short of breath. The intangible gravity, inversely proportional to time, presses down on the diaphragm that much more strongly. So, they usually hold their breath.

[Boom!]

Wowwwww-!

Finally, the 200m final starts. Some run with a posture that seems to lean to the left, while others swing their left arm more powerfully, running along the curved track. When you actually stand there, the curved track is ambiguous to call a curve, it’s closer to a straight line. Leaning on the desire to quickly escape the curved track, to express overflowing enthusiasm. Or maybe just instinctively. However, the speed at which superhumans sprint turns a gentle curve into a sharp curve. This, too, must be relativity.

The number one in start reaction speed was surprisingly Marsh. That was all. Marsh, who didn’t get a good record in the semi-finals and occupied the innermost track, was left behind without even getting halfway out of the curve.

When the 30m acceleration, where the sprint really gets going, was over, the leader was already Son Jin-hyuk of Korea.

Pa-ba-bak- Doo-doo-doo-doo-!

The thirteen-year-old boy who used to kick up dust had grown up and was now running on the 100th anniversary track of the Olympics. The thing I do best, the thing I love the most. The thing I’ve been clinging to almost every day since I came back, like light struggling to escape a black hole. Running.

The early part was, as everyone expected, a showdown between Michael Johnson and Son Jin-hyuk. Even though they had only run 50m, the two athletes in lanes 3 and 4 stood out. The race, considered the biggest event of the Olympics, three days before the closing ceremony. The 100m and 400m champions, the spikes of a large corporation and a small business, and the confrontation between East and West. Even if Hong Gi-jun hadn’t put pressure on them and the Sein Group hadn’t promoted it before the final race, it was natural for the world to watch.

[Ahhhhh! Crazy! It’s just insane!]

[Son Jin-hyuk! Honto ni- hayai desu! [Japanese for “He’s really fast!”]]

[Sun- Tsun-heo-eo-eo!]

[Soooon! He’s the first to break out of the curve!]

[Ahhh-! What is this! It’s Korea! Korea is ahead of the United States!]

[Johnson! Johnson! He’s picking up the pace!]

For Jin-hyuk, who had been sprinting at full speed on a steeper curve in the gym, the curve of the regular track was a space that gave him indescribable freedom. So, he broke free with a light heart, leaving the golden spikes, struggling to keep up, far behind.

[100m left!]

[Entering the full acceleration zone!]

[Soooon! He’s getting faster and faster!]

[Another level of acceleration ability!]

The running style of 400m champion Michael Johnson is unique. No matter what anyone says, it’s his way. With a narrow stride, with a light rhythm, he steadily accelerates according to Newton’s second law of motion. Heave-ho- go-go rhythm-. Johnson’s greatest strength is his excellent stamina maintenance and acceleration in the mid and late stages. Thanks to his unique running style, Michael Johnson’s record in the last 100m of the 200m race is almost 9 seconds. However, since rhythm is important, psychological stability must be supported. It’s also a running style that exposes you to calf and hamstring injuries if your rhythm and balance are broken. If you get impatient and break your rhythm, you lose your breath, and once you lose your rhythm, it’s impossible to regain it during the race. Time doesn’t wait. Just like now.

[Ahhh! Johnson! He lost his pace because he was conscious of his young rival!]

The impatience of not being used to running while looking at someone’s back caused trouble. The pace he hastily increased hit Johnson’s solar plexus. A choked breath caught in his throat. And so, he was caught by the eternal runner-up, Frank Fredericks. The tyrant ostrich also bit Johnson’s neck and roughly slammed him down.

[Ahhh! Johnson retires! He’s sitting down!]

[His toes were pointing too far outward, and it seems he put too much strain on his ankle.]

Whatever happens behind him is not Jin-hyuk’s concern. After all, he doesn’t have eyes in the back of his head, and even if someone was next to him, he decided to only look ahead in this race.

Frank Fredericks and Ato Boldon were the beneficiaries of the vaccination. From the beginning, they ran while maintaining their own pace, as if Son Jin-hyuk didn’t exist.

– “Ahem-, I thought he might be a person from another world. But he speaks English, so he’s definitely an Earthling. He speaks Korean and Japanese. He talks to his French friend in French. He’s an Earthling. I guarantee it.”

……I appreciate the guarantee. That’s what the taciturn Frank Fredericks said in an interview with an American broadcaster. A rival from another dimension. I wish someone would teach them the word ‘unreachable’, they would really like it.

[Fredericks! Ato Boldon! Fiercely chasing-! Is it going to be a three-way battle!]

[No, it’s absolutely not.]

[Ahhh-! But Son is getting further away-!]

No matter how world-class an athlete is, if they compete in both the 100m and 200m, their 200m record is usually more than double their 100m record. Among the finalists, the only athlete whose record was not double was Frank Fredericks, who was good at straightaways. The tyrant Ato Boldon’s record was exactly double, so these two athletes were top-class sprinters with impeccable explosiveness and endurance. That was also the story when Son Jin-hyuk was not there.

[Further and further- away!]

[The record! The record!]

[Ahhhhh! Look at the difference! It looks like a crazy record is coming out!]

Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-!

Jin-hyuk’s breakthrough, with his full weight on his legs, shook the ground. It’s a running style that accumulates fatigue. However, there is no better way to maintain acceleration. It’s the law of nature that weight adds to power. Frank Fredericks and Ato Boldon also felt fatigue in their thighs after running 150m at full speed. The best they could do was to grit their teeth and run, aiming for the back of the athlete in lane 4, who was far ahead. After all, once they cross the finish line, their hearts will soon find peace. For that sweet peace, they whipped their heavy legs with a whip summoned from hell.

[Boom-!]

Why did the gunshot signaling the finish line sound so far away? Even after the sound signaling that the leader had crossed the finish line, the other athletes had to keep running. Even if that crazy guy finished the race too quickly.

「19.14」

The record was displayed on the scoreboard. It was a crazy, unbelievable record. The guy who ran 100m in 9.67 had improved by 0.2 seconds in the 200m. Then, the others had no choice but to suspect the performance of the spikes. Wait?

But another stopwatch appeared on the scoreboard. And.

Doo-doo-doo-doo-!

He was still running. Doo-doo-doo-doo-! Even though he was the first to cross the finish line.

Fredericks and Ato Boldon in lanes 5 and 6, who had been lagging behind, made eye contact in front of the finish line.

‘So that’s what ‘follow follow me’ meant.’

Did he go crazy first because he thought we wouldn’t be able to concentrate on the race if he told us beforehand? He’s really crazy.

Fredericks twisted his hand, which was parallel to the ground, left and right to ask for confirmation. Without slowing down.

Can you run more?

With a breath that had become rough, Ato Boldon glared straight ahead with eyes that were even more rough than his breath.

Hey, let’s go.

Yeah, let’s go. We can’t let that guy do crazy things alone.

The two athletes broke through the finish line as they were. Non-stop high pass.

Pak-, Pak-.

The stopwatch sensor was activated instead of the speed camera.

「19.57」

「19.58」

Wowwwww- Ah-?

The cheers of the crowd also turned into questions.

[Ahhh-! What is this!]

[An event! It’s an event! A winner’s ceremony that no one expected!]

[There was a reason why they quickly removed the starting blocks!]

[We received an announcement from the organizing committee that another event would follow immediately! This must be it!]

[The short-distance runners have started a short-distance marathon! A true fan service for Olympic fans! True professionals!]

Hehehehehe-.

Jeff Williams and Michael Marsh also followed, laughing. I knew that guy was crazy since training.

Kyaaaaaaaa-!

The crow, who recognized it was a promise for 25,000 years, jumped up and down.

Doo-doo-doo-doo-!

Jin-hyuk smiled as he felt the vibrations from behind. Because he wasn’t alone.