Chosen by a former Olympic swimmer to train for the 2016 Games as a pre-teen, Reed’s journey begins. Along the way, he develops feelings for two childhood friends: neighbor Cal and lifelong rival Mathias. Cal’s struggle with his sexuality brings tragedy. Mathias’s wealth makes Reed feel as if they’re from different worlds.<br><br>As Rio approaches, Mathias becomes a gay sports icon, while Reed must hide his sexuality for a lucrative endorsement deal important to his family’s future. Reed’s unresolved desires for both men remain, and so do the things that have kept them apart. Has Reed grown enough to navigate rougher waters, to find truth, pride, victory, and love?

Truth, Pride, Victory, Love

“Then, eventually, there’s the comeback kid. He’s the guy that lost a couple times, or lost big, or fucked-up. Sometimes he scampers off with his tail between his legs in shame, but then, a while later, he comes back, and our hearts are torn between wanting him to win and rooting for the spoiler, who is by now the champ.”


“Most likely, all three. You’re the champion at Cloverton, right? You know what it feels like to have the crowd behind you…the whistles and cheers…the adulation.”


“You’re not that here. Be ready. Be ready for quiet when your name is announced, and be prepared to hear someone else’s in a chant as you swim. You know your times can put you on that podium today and get you to Qatar.”


I hadn’t even known where the fuck Qatar was a few days back. I had to google it to see where I’d be going for the World Championships, whenI made the team.


Chapter 72