Chapter 20 — Bridge Yard Beats

One month before the opening day of the Olympics, the Vietnamese sports delegation officially announced the list of participating athletes, in which Vy and Long were honored as one of the brightest faces, carrying great expectations from the whole country about their ability to compete for medals in the mixed doubles event.

The announcement ceremony took place solemnly at the headquarters of the National Olympic Committee, with the attendance of a large number of sports officials, media and important sponsors. Vy and Long stood on stage, wearing the official competition costumes of the Vietnamese sports delegation, clearly feeling the great responsibility on their shoulders.

"This is a moment that I never dared to dream of when I was a poor girl growing up in a small coastal area," Vy shared in a short speech at the ceremony, her voice filled with emotion. "I want to thank everyone who has trusted and supported me throughout this arduous but also extremely meaningful journey."

After the announcement ceremony, the whole team entered the most intense training phase, taking advantage of each remaining day to perfect all professional aspects before officially entering the Olympic arena. Coach Kiet and the coaching staff build a detailed plan for each day, combining technical, tactical, physical training and reasonable rest and recovery sessions.

One afternoon, while practicing, Long suddenly felt a sharp pain in his knee after a sudden move. He tried to hide the pain and continue to complete the exercise, but Vy, with the sharpness of someone who always cares deeply for her partner, quickly noticed the abnormality.

"Are you hurt?" she asked, stopping her homework immediately, her eyes filled with worry.

"Nothing serious," Long replied, trying to keep a neutral expression even though the pain was still dull. "Just a little muscle tension."

But Vy was not easily convinced and insisted that he go see the team doctor for a thorough examination. After examination, the doctor concluded that this was a sign of mild tendinitis in the knee, possibly due to too much exercise intensity recently, requiring timely rest and treatment to avoid more serious complications.

"There's only one month left until the Olympics, if the injury gets worse..." Vy couldn't hide her worry when she heard the diagnosis results, the obsession with Tram's previous injury came rushing back to her mind.

"This is just an initial sign, not serious yet," the doctor reassured. "With rest and proper treatment for about a week, the condition will completely stabilize again."

Coach Kiet, upon receiving the report, immediately adjusted the lesson plan, reducing the training intensity for Long while still maintaining a suitable schedule for Vy to practice individually. "We can't risk injury right now," he said, his voice serious. "Even though there is only one month left, your children's health must still be the top priority."

During the week Long had to limit vigorous exercise, Vy spent most of her free time by his side, supporting him in gentle recovery exercises according to the treatment regimen. "You don't need to worry about me that much," Long said one afternoon, when he saw Vy busy preparing ice packs to apply to his knee.

"I can't help but worry," Vy replied, her voice filled with sincerity. "You are my partner, the person I love. Seeing you in pain makes me feel equally heartbroken."

Long smiled and gently held her hand. "Thank you, for always being by my side and taking care of me like that. I promise to recover quickly so as not to affect the preparation process for both of us."

While Long took a break from intense training, Mr. Trinh Bao Son also spent more time talking and encouraging his son. "Don't worry too much," he said during a visit. "Slight injuries like this are normal during intense training. It's important that you listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard."

"I'm just afraid that this break will affect the chemistry we've worked so hard to build," Long shared, his voice still a little worried.

"I believe, true chemistry is not easily lost after just a short week of rest," Mr. Son replied, his eyes full of comfort. "Especially when you both built it together on a foundation of love and deep understanding, not simply competition techniques."

Just as the doctor predicted, after a week of rest and intensive treatment, Long's knee completely recovered, without leaving any sequelae. He returned to training with enthusiasm, determined to make up for lost time.

"Welcome back," Vy said, smiling brightly when she saw Long appear at the training ground, ready for his first practice session after recovery.

"Thank you for always being by my side, taking care of me this past week," Long replied, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Now, let's put all our heart and soul into the last days before leaving."

The first training session after Long's recovery went smoothly beyond expectations. The chemistry between the two seemed not to be affected by the short hiatus, clearly demonstrating what Mr. Trinh Bao Son once shared.

In the last two weeks before departure, coach Kiet organized a special mock drill, inviting a few other male and female athletes on the team to play the strongest opponents that Vy and Long could face at the Olympics, based on the careful analysis that Tram had painstakingly compiled over the past several months.

"This will be the final test before you officially enter the real arena," coach Kiet explained before the practice session. "I want you to experience pressure as close as possible to what will happen at the Olympics."

The mock training session was as intense and dramatic as an official match. Vy and Long, despite facing familiar "opponents" on the team, still played with high concentration, fully applying the strategies they had been practicing for many months.

At the end of the training session, Coach Kiet and Tram spent time analyzing each aspect in detail, from strengths that need to be promoted to small shortcomings that need to be overcome before the official competition day. "Overall, the kids are ready," Tram commented, her voice full of pride. "The important thing now is to maintain your mentality, don't let the pressure from the big arena affect your original performance."

In the last days before leaving, the whole team spent time completing all logistical preparations - visas, official competition costumes, necessary equipment, and final comprehensive health checks to ensure every athlete was in the best physical condition.

The evening before the departure, family and close friends held a small farewell party for Vy and Long. Vy's mother, Nguyen, Mr. Trinh Bao Son, along with Phong and Tram, all gathered to send their best wishes before the most important journey of the couple's career.

"I believe you will make it happen," Vy's mother said, hugging her daughter tightly, her voice choked with emotion. "No matter the result, you are my greatest pride."

"I will try my best, mom," Vy replied, tightening her arms around her mother, clearly feeling the familiar warmth that had nurtured her through so many difficult years.

Nguyen, now much taller than the shy boy he used to be, patted his sister's shoulder proudly. "You're my idol," he said, his eyes sparkling with sincere admiration. "I will watch every match of yours on TV."

Phong, with the familiar role of stirring up the atmosphere, suggested that the group take a commemorative photo before parting. "This will be a historic photo," he announced excitedly. "The photo before our two stars set off to conquer the Olympics."

The whole group laughed loudly at that excited declaration, posing for photos in a warm, emotional atmosphere. Tram, standing nearby, could not hide her emotions as she looked back on the meaningful journey she had the opportunity to accompany her two students.

"I'm so proud of you two," Tram said, her voice filled with sincerity. "From the first training sessions full of collisions, until now this is the pride of the entire country's sports system. I believe, you two will shine brightly at the Olympics."

The farewell evening ended in a warm atmosphere, filled with love from family and friends, providing solid spiritual motivation for Vy and Long before officially leaving the next morning, heading to the prestigious Olympic arena that both of them had worked tirelessly throughout a long journey to reach.