Finding His Stride

Last winter, Gabriel joined the local athletics club and I followed suit, volunteering as a helper to support the coaching staff. It’s been a whirlwind since then, watching him grow into the sport, discovering new strengths, and building confidence along the way.

Training Indoors: A Winter Warm-Up

Winter in the UK isn’t exactly outdoor athletics weather, so Gabriel’s journey began indoors, where he learned the ropes of the three core disciplines: running, jumping, and throwing. From the get-go, he showed a real enthusiasm for the more explosive events. Cross-country, with its long, muddy treks through fields, didn’t hold much appeal for him. Gabriel’s heart, it turns out, belongs to the sprints—short bursts of speed and power rather than endurance slogs.

As I stood on the sidelines helping where I could, I noticed how quickly he took to running, especially hurdles. His long legs, suddenly found their purpose. Watching him leap over those hurdles with confidence was a joy. He also surprised me with his flair for the long jump, where he seemed to launch himself effortlessly through the air, those same legs propelling him to impressive distances.

A Summer of Competitions

As winter gave way to warmer days, the summer athletics season truly kicked off, and Gabriel began competing in friendly meets. He’s had a season packed with events, trying his hand at everything from his favourite hurdles and long jump to throwing events and more. What’s been most impressive to me is not just his performance, but his attitude. He’s tried everything, giving it his all, whether it’s something he excels at or a new challenge.

We’ve come home from many of these meets with medals clinking in the car. Though I’m not able to share photos of these proud moments (as most shots include other boys and girls), the evidence is hanging proudly at home. The back of Gabriel’s bedroom door is now adorned with a collection of medals that jangle together with each opening and closing. He jokes that they’re his personal burglar alarm—no one can sneak into his room without the medals announcing their arrival!

Finding His Place in Athletics

Gabriel’s journey in athletics has been about more than just running fast or jumping far. It’s been about him finding his place in a sport that allows him to channel his energy, his determination, and his growing physical abilities. There’s a real satisfaction in seeing him develop—not just in terms of skills, but in confidence. He’s discovered that his body is built for speed, for strength, and for achieving things that perhaps he hadn’t considered before.

Volunteering at the club has also given me a front-row seat to witness the growth of all the young athletes. It’s a joy to see their camaraderie, their drive, and their shared excitement as they push each other to be better. And for Gabriel, it’s been a space where he’s found both challenge and success—a place where he’s beginning to understand what he’s capable of.

Looking Ahead

He’s already looking forward to next year’s meets and the new challenges that will come with them. For now, though, he’s happy with the clatter of medals behind his door, the sense of accomplishment they bring, and the knowledge that he’s on the right track—literally and figuratively.

Watching him sprint down a track or soar through the air in the long jump pit has been a highlight of my year. Gabriel may not be interested in the muddy fields of cross-country just yet, but he’s certainly found his footing, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes him next.