12. Lucas
Lucas
You have two events left. You can do this.
We settled in by the bars. Ty wasn’t doing the next two events, so he sat down. The rest of us milled around, trying to stay loose.
I was going first, and I was nervous, but these were my best events. They were my chance to show why I deserved to be here.
Shane walked up to me. "You good?"
I nodded. Shane was fidgety, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, and chewing his fingernails.
"Why are you nervous?" I asked.
"I'm not."
"Uh huh. Right. It's that bet, isn't it? You want me to kick Cam's butt?"
"I mean...that would be good for Team USA."
"I don't believe this. You've never had a secret from me before. Why start now?"
"It’s not that big a deal."
"Fine." I dropped it. "Any coachly advice, Coach Shane?"
"Ouch, Coach Shane, really?"
"Hey, you’re the one keeping secrets," I teased, walking ahead of him.
"Fair enough. Good luck, Luke."
I made my way up to the parallel bars and started chalking my hands. I had practiced for years with my feet taped together on this. It had really helped my execution scores. For difficulty, I added a lot of one-handed turns and combinations.
“LUCAS RIVERA. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
Here we go. After a quick salute, I was ready.
I was a bit on the short side and needed a springboard to help me up to the bars. Shane pulled it away once I was up. I positioned myself, took a breath, and started the routine.
After a basic handstand and the required basket swing, I was ready for my first of three releases.
Like Cam on the rings, I was doing the hardest skill first. That I would lose complete sight of the bars and land on my triceps was the tricky bit, but I could do this move with my eyes closed at this point.
I had done it many times. And today was no different.
Shane suggesting the taped feet was a godsend.
It had really helped with my balance, too.
I executed a double front salto in the tucked position next, followed by a few consecutive half and full turns.
Since I was doing well, I tried something crazy at the last second.
In the middle of a normal handstand, I switched it up by putting both hands on the same bar.
I had seen it only once in competition, and I did it as well as he did.
After holding that for two seconds, I moved my left hand back across, swinging down into a L-sit hold.
I had one combination pass left and the dismount.
And I stuck the landing. I just had the best routine of my life.
I saluted the judges and held back the primal scream I felt inside of me. Instead, I soaked up my team’s congratulations and happiness for me. Shane was almost bouncing up and down.
“That was insane, Luke!” Shane said. “I don’t think you could’ve done any better. Something has really gotten into you this past week.”
Well, not yet, Shane. But soon.
I picked at my pants and pretended to not care about the score, but I couldn’t help but keep peeking. Come on! Post already!
16.100.
I could barely contain myself. I felt so proud. Both Coach and Shane hugged me. And then I got more hugs from Ty and Cam. The twins congratulated me, but were up next, so they were more reserved, staying focused on their upcoming routines.
That score was a personal record. I still couldn’t believe it. Forgetting for just a second, I looked into the stands where Cam’s mom and the American flags were, and then I remembered they weren’t there.
As if he could sense that I needed him, Cam appeared at my side. “Can I rub you for luck?”
I turned, happy for the distraction. “Well, where I want you to rub would be inappropriate.”
He leaned in and whispered, “That was the idea.”
I shoved him and we both turned to watch the twins. Cam was the last on this event for us, then I’d be first on the high bar.
For us, the rest of qualifications went as well as we started.
A few of us had personal bests and most of our routines were great with very few mistakes.
I did really well on the high bar and Cam had a spectacular floor routine.
Russia seemed to get worse as the morning progressed.
With the other two divisions yet to perform, there was still a chance they might make the team finals, but only time would tell.
They had one guy carrying them, even though they were all capable of doing better.
It was hard to gauge what caused a gymnast’s performance to vary so much.
I mean, there were a lot of factors. Certainly, Cam had put me in a good mood lately, but I think it also helped that our team started off strong.
It was easy to carry the momentum. Coach’s decision to switch things up paid off.
The few slip-ups we had were inconsequential.
For the twins and Ty, they had experience to help them through it, and for me and Cam, we had great coaches and our teammates to put it into perspective. Things just worked out today.
Who knew what personal bullshit the Russians were dealing with? And it never helped when you start out behind. The pressure of one poor performance can certainly weigh on a team. It happened to the US before, and Russia’s performance today wouldn’t be the last time it happened either.
We were in high spirits in the locker room. The air almost crackled with positive energy. I knew why I was so happy. I couldn’t wait for tonight.
“Alright, guys. I know I don’t have to keep saying it, but that was an excellent job out there today. By everyone. We’ll have to wait and see how the other divisions do, but I am confident we will be in the team finals, and the majority of the event finals too.”
Cue Ty whooping and cheering.
“Leave your uniforms here, they’ll be cleaned for you by Saturday. Get showered up, and meet us outside the press room in fifteen minutes. We have a small Q and A before you’re dismissed today.”
There were a few groans.
“Of course, you’re all invited to our hotel suite to watch the other divisions. All the coaching staff will be monitoring the scores to determine which of you will compete in the finals. And we can check out the competition too.”
“Party in the coaches’ suite!” Ty yelled.
“There will not be a party.” He paused. “But there may be a celebration.” He winked. “See you in fifteen.”
“Luke?” Shane said, tapping me on the shoulder. “Earth to Luke.”
I snapped out of it and focused my attention...on a room...full of reporters.
Shit.
“Uh, I’m sorry. What did I miss? Is this the Olympics?” I joked.
Smooth.
Mild laughter circulated. I hoped they would give me a little slack.
I was still thinking of Cam teasing me in the locker room.
We showered next to each other, and he kept whispering very naughty, un-Cam-like things to me.
And then he had the audacity to flash me as he walked by my shower.
Opening up his towel just quick enough so I could see his hardening prick bouncing with each step.
“What was the question?” I asked.
“How does it feel to be the first gay male gymnast to compete at the Olympics?” one reporter asked.
“I’m going to correct you on a technicality. I’m not the first gay male gymnast to compete at the Olympics. I’m just the first to do so openly. There have been gay gymnasts before now and I doubt I’m the only one in Brisbane.”
Crap. I forced myself to not look at anyone except the reporter and kept going, hoping Cam wouldn’t kill me later.
“But, that’s not what’s important. Each and every gay, bi, pan, non-hetero, person has to live their own life and tell their own story.
In their own time. I’m here to tell mine.
And I happen to be doing that with the best team in the world, and even though there are two other divisions yet to perform, I feel we proved that with our routines today. ”
Shane smiled and gave me a thumbs up behind the table where the reporters couldn’t see.
But I guess my answer didn’t satisfy the reporter.
“Are you saying you know of other gay gymnasts at this Olympics?”
“I think you can go back to what I just said prior to that dumb question and you’ll find your answer.”
Coach interjected, “Alright, that’s enough questions for Luke. Does anyone have questions for the other members of the team?”
I was fuming. And I wanted to get out of there.
My phone buzzed in my lap. It was Shane.
Shane: Sorry, that guy is a prick. Just calm down and keep it together for a few more minutes.
Ugh.
Luke: Fine.
Before anyone could ask one, Ty leaned forward to the microphone.
“I think what Luke meant to say was that even if he knew someone else that was gay here, it’s not Luke’s business to tell.
I don’t see why someone’s sexuality is a big concern to anyone.
It shouldn’t be, and maybe with more Lukes in the world, it eventually won’t be.
I’m Luke’s best friend and I’m proud of him.
It’s a big step to live your life openly in front of the entire world.
But it’s not that easy for everyone. That’s an understatement, considering you can be put to death for it in some places.
Clearly, we have a long way to go, but the Olympics is a great place to bring people together in understanding and love. ”
Several flashes went off in my face, and that was when I realized I had tears running down my cheek. No one other than Shane had ever defended me with such sincerity.
As if we had coordinated it, Ty and I stood up almost at the same time and walked towards each other, arms outstretched. I wanted a hug.
I heard the other chairs squeak and Cam, Graham, and Grant had all stood up too, and surrounded us on all sides in a big group hug.
“Uh...I think that will be all for today,” Coach said into his microphone. “Thank you.”
I headed straight for the side door leading to the restricted area. Ty was by my side; Cam and the twins were close behind.
As soon as the doors shut behind us, Grant and Graham simultaneously said, “What a dick.”
“I can’t believe you have to put up with this shit,” Ty added.