Used by the Olympic Wrestler

“You’ve got this, Bryce. Just stay focused.” My coach slaps me on the back.

I inhale, holding the cool air of the Olympic stadium in my lungs. Harsh white light rains down on the wrestling mat, bathing us in a heavenly glow. The arena is quiet, and the stands are empty. This is only a practice match, but my heart is still pounding. The guy I’m about to wrestle with is a monster.

I step onto the mat, eyeing his bestial frame. His name is Viktor, and he’s the reigning world champion. His red singlet hugs his bulging muscles, highlighting a lifetime of physical fitness. His shoulders and pecs are round like boulders. His legs are like the trunks of ancient trees. But despite it all, he possesses a sort of grace that’s uncommon in this sport. Sapphire-blue eyes are set beneath shaggy blond hair that’s light like platinum. His face is sharp, angular, and masculine…

Fuck! I need to focus.

Wrestling is about more than just physical strength. There’s a mental component too. You’ve gotta get inside your opponent’s head. You’ve gotta wear away his defenses and show who’s in charge.

A whistle rings out, and we shoot toward each other like bullets. We make impact, our bodies grinding and contorting. My arms wrap around his thick torso, holding him tightly as I try to bring him down. He might be built like a mountain, but I have agility on my side. I can do this. I’ve just gotta get the right angle…

My feet slip out from under me, and I slam onto the mat. Air leaves my lungs as a loud thud echoes throughout the arena. Viktor’s hulking form presses atop me, pinning my arms and legs while forcing me to gaze up into those sharp, glittering eyes. A cocky, almost arrogant smirk forms on his pink lips while I struggle.

It’s no use. He’s got me pinned. I’m powerless.

Another whistle rings out, and he rolls off.

“Good match, buddy.” He helps me to my feet.

“T-thanks.” I give an embarrassed smile.

“What’s your name again?”

“I’m Bryce.”

“Got it. I’m Viktor. I’m looking forward to competing for real when the time comes.”

I appreciate how he bothers to introduce himself to me. The reality is that he’s a celebrity in the wrestling world. Everyone knows who he is. Everyone admires him.

But that doesn’t diminish my own achievements.

I’ve been wrestling my entire life, and being selected to represent my country at the Olympics is the highest honor. It’s the result of a lifetime of sacrifice. While my friends were out partying and drinking, I was in the gym refining my body. Here in the Olympic Park, everyone understands that. We’ve all committed ourselves to the sport, and we’ve always dreamed of competing at the elite level.

My love of wrestling runs deep. I grew up in a small town and didn’t have many friends. My dad and I have strong personalities and we would regularly get into fights. I’d try to leave the house whenever possible, and the wrestling mat was where I ended up. My high school coach became something of a father figure, and he encouraged me to develop my skills. Now that I’m in college, I’m in better shape than ever. I’ve crushed it at the national competitions, but here on the international stage, things are different.

The level of skill here is unreal. I was once the best wrestler in the room, but that’s no longer the case.

I can still win though. I’ve just gotta get in the right headspace. The official matches don’t start for another few days, so I’ve got time to prepare.

“Remember to keep your hips low and your head up. That’ll help you get more power for the takedown.” Viktor pats me on the shoulder.

“Thanks, man.”

“Of course! I’m always happy to help the newbies.” He gives me a playful wink. “If you want to come over to my place tonight, I could run through some old video clips and show you some of my techniques.”

“Woah—you’d really do that?!”

My eyes are wide. I can’t believe what I’m hearing. He’s my opponent, but he’s offering to help me. Talk about sportsmanship!

“Sure. It could be fun. I’m not interested in going out sightseeing like some of the other guys here. I’m interested in winning. We could help each other out—like a study session.”

“Alright—let’s do it!”

We spend the rest of the afternoon training and watching our teammates grapple. Viktor is actually a pretty cool dude, but I’m not sure why he’s hanging out with me. I’m unremarkable. Wouldn’t he rather chat with athletes who’ve already proven themselves on the international stage? I never dreamt I’d become friends with someone so famous…

“I’m calling it good for today.” He wipes sweat from his brow. “Want to hit the cafeteria? I’m starving.”

“Yeah, sounds good.”

I bid goodbye to my coach and head out into the Olympic Park alongside my new companion. The complex is a labyrinthian maze of cutting-edge athletic facilities. In the distance, tall residential skyscrapers loom over the Olympic Village. They were built specifically for us, and I assume they’ll be rented out as apartments once the games are over.

“This way.” Viktor leads me through a checkpoint to enter the village.

Only athletes are allowed in here, and it shows. The streets are packed with musclebound jocks wearing team jackets bearing flags from around the world. Colorful banners line the walkways, billowing in the evening breeze. There’s a sense of excitement in the air. Athletes rush past as we walk, snapping selfies and chatting in languages I’ve never even heard. In a place like this, it’s easy to feel small and uncultured…

“Fuck. I love this place.” My voice is quiet as we enter the Olympic cafeteria.