The New Queen

Anna was the first one picked for the world team that year. All of the coaches agreed no matter what event she did she could help. Anna didn’t know why they choose her so quickly. She didn’t compete in any competiton that year and they just expected her to kick ass like before. All th head coaches needed her, they believed in her. Anna already felt the pressure.
Right now Anna could only work beam and do a simple bars. They needed her on floor but she wasn’t ready yet. She could do a killer beam during team final and bars during qualifications but that was it. They had to roll with it.
…
When they got to worlds everything went as planned. Even though Anna did on event during team final, they all kind of felt…more inspired. In the end they all preformed like they were supposed to and finished In fourth place.
“I’m not exactly thrilled” Anna said. “I’ve never NOT won a medal in a team event” Maria hugged Anna.
“Hey, going from 8th to 4th in one year is impressive. We couldn’t have done it without you and Aliya” Anna smiled. “Now we can medal in Paris next year”
“Hopefully” Aliya hugged Anna, too and then the whole team got in to the group hug. “I think you guys have too much faith in me”
…
In addition to the 4th place finish, Anna, Aliya and Maria made finals. Aliya finished second in the bars final, Maria finished third in the beam final and Anna finished second in the beam final. A nice prize after skipping one world championships.
…
When the team returned home they rewarded by the gymnastics federation. They didn’t medal, but if they had gotten three more tenths they would have. They had come far and with Aliya and Anna’s help and further progress individually they could medal again in Paris 2020. Of course it wouldn’t be gold, but they could go for bronze.
Everyone training at Lake Krugloe threw a giant party for the girls. The Russian men got a bigger party for winning silver.
“We never got parties like this” Aliya said. She handed Anna an alcoholic drink. She smirked.
“We were so disappointed back then…now everyone seems so happy”
“I feel like god”Aliya admitted. “Now I feel needed”
“When didn’t you feel needed?”
“When you were at your best in 2013 all the way up to Rio, you did everything. The coaches put the most faith on you while everyone else acted like your back up dancers almost” Anna giggled. “I’m not kidding”
“Too bad I needed you guys” she said. “Without Vika, Maria and you I don’t know where I would be. I definitely wouldn’t have made it to Rio. I won’t make it to Paris without you” Aliya smiled.
“To think, I could be in Florida tanning with hot men scrubbing my feet” Anna laughed. “I’m serious…instead I’m here, sweating and tired”
“I would rather be here then at school”
“Don’t go to school then”
“My mom wanted me to go to college”
“Anna, your mom wants you to be happy. You don’t have to do everything your mom wanted you to do”
“I want her to be proud of me, though”
“She will, if your happy” Anna sighed. “Besides, who wouldn’t be proud of you? Five olympic medals and more world medals then any American or Russian ever before. I’m proud of you. Everyone in this gym is proud of you”
An old K-Pop song that Anna was immensely in love with came on. “Now show me how to do this dance” the girls skipped out onto the dance floor.