Chapter 11.
“You’ve had quite an amazing career in sports,” the young man interviewing Reg Drummond says, almost sounding like a fan waiting for Reg to give him his autograph. Reg sits back, relaxed, hands folded. He gives the practiced smile that has kept reporters friendly for two decades.
“I’ve been very lucky,” Reg says. “Blessed, really.”
“It takes a lot more than luck to be a two-time gold medalist in the Decathlon,” his interviewer says. “Only the fourth athlete to accomplish that feat, and the first from Australia.”
“I worked hard.” Reg shrugs.
“Then you came back four years later and won another gold medal in rugby. No wonder you were voted the most popular figure in your country three times. I see where you even competed in triathlons for a while.”
“What can I say?” Reg says lightly. “People love a winner. And every country has sports heroes—”
“So you think you’re a hero?”
“A figure of speech,” Reg says. “I’m known because of sports, which sets me apart from people who are known for other reasons. That’s all.”
“We’re not interested in what people know you for,” he says. “We’re interested in what you do when there’s a more important prize than just a medal.”
Reg holds his gaze.
“But you do seem to have everything,” the man says.
“Fame and success and money. As described in so many articles written about you, even movie star good looks. I read that you were briefly considered for some big Hollywood roles. So why come more than halfway across the world to be here and to be a part of this?”
Reg doesn’t hesitate. “Because it’s not enough for me.”
“So you feel you have more to give to the world than you already have?”
“Much more. I’m here,” Reg says, “to find out what I’m really made of.”
“Let me ask you this.” The man leans in. “Would you be willing to put your life on the line to be a real hero?”
“Without a second thought.”
“These new games will be quite dangerous.” The man smiles. “Aren’t you afraid of dying?”
Reg Drummond offers the man the crooked grin the world once saw on the cover of People magazine.
“Oh, I’m afraid, all right,” he says. “Just not of that.”