Dayo sat on the living-room couch, his back resting against the soft cushion as he watched his family move around the house. Afternoon light came through the curtains, and the quiet hum of the ceiling fan filled the room. His sister Janet and his younger brother Jeffery were on the floor, arguing lightly about a video game. His parents sat at the dining table, talking in low tones, their conversation slow and peaceful.
It was a normal scene. Ordinary. Warm.
But his heartbeat wasn't exactly normal.
For the past two weeks, everything had moved fast. Training, media noise, online debates, the shock of the swimming world, the chaotic energy surrounding the U.S. team — all of it had piled up on him. He didn't show it on his face, not even once. But inside, the pressure had been building quietly.
Competing in one Olympic event was enough to make any athlete nervous. Competing in two was rare unless you were a proven star. But three?
The 50m freestyle.
The 100m freestyle.
