The arena lights came down as sixteen-year-old Emma stepped onto the gymnastics floor.
She wore a red-and-black competition leotard.
She had been born without both arms.
The crowd immediately noticed.
Some people lifted their phones.
Others whispered.
Emma ignored them.
At the far end of the runway was the trampoline.
Her coach Rachel stood behind the barrier watching closely.
Emma took one breath.
Then another.
Rachel called out.
You know the timing.
Emma nodded.
She started running.
Her steps became faster.
The crowd grew quiet.
Emma reached the trampoline.
She jumped.
For one second, every person in the arena stopped moving.
Then Emma launched high into the air.
Comments (0)