The Olympic Trials.

For most athletes, that phrase alone was enough to make their stomach tighten.

Because what did it really mean?

It meant recognition.

It meant you were strong enough to stand in the same room as the best in the country — even if you didn't qualify for the Olympics. It meant your name carried weight. It meant you weren't average.

And for the swimmers… the competition was brutal.

Across all events, more than 900 athletes had gathered here, each chasing the same dream.

For many, this would be their first and last Olympic Trial — age, injuries, life — everything was catching up to them. Some had one chance left. Some had waited eight years for this moment.

Inside the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the massive NFL arena had been transformed. A temporary 50m Olympic pool shimmered under the lights. Cameras flashed everywhere. Families filled the seats. You could almost taste the tension in the air.

For the 50m freestyle alone, nearly 100 swimmers had registered.

But only two would go to the Olympics.

The format was simple, but unforgiving:

Heats: Top 16 fastest times move on.

Semifinals: 16 swimmers become 8.

Finals: Only 2 qualify for the Olympics.

Dog eat dog.

No second chances.

No excuses.

---

Dayo inhaled slowly, taking everything in.

The sound of footsteps. The smell of chlorine. The buzz of nervous athletes stretching and whispering to themselves.

His eyes scanned around casually — or at least that's what it looked like.

In reality, he was using Talent Vision.

Everywhere he looked, small translucent panels flashed briefly:

B+ Talent

A Talent

A- Talent

A Talent

He kept walking.

Then—

S+ Talent

S+ Talent

His brow lifted slightly.

As expected of the United States… the talent pool here is insane.

Just in his immediate area alone, he counted two S+ talents, several A's, and many B+s. And this was only the 50m event.

He didn't feel intimidated.

If anything, he felt more alive.

But he noticed something some of the athletes had temporary stat like he checked.

One of them had a potential of C+ and he had achieved his potential but by the side it showed in bracket

Greg will

Talent Rating: B+

Current Level: B+ -(A+) temporary

Condition: Slight Decline Beginning

Factor: using enhancement.

Dayo was shocked when he saw the Factor but he knew this happened but seeing it himself was another thing he just hoped they were caught on time so as not to sabotage the national team.

Two races today. The semifinals and finals tomorrow.

That was the plan.

—

When Dayo reached his designated area, the crowd erupted instantly.

"JD!!!"

"JD THE CHAMPION!"

"JD SWIM!"

"JD SWIM!"

"JD SWIM!"

The sound rolled through the stadium.

Dayo placed a hand over his chest and made a small knightly bow. The screams grew louder. He smiled and waved before heading to the blocks.

A few swimmers from previous meets approached him.

"Haha JD, take it easy on us oh. Last time I didn't even see your back."

"Yeah bro, don't embarrass us today!"

Dayo laughed. "I'll try not to."

Their good energy warmed him a bit. He expected some resentment — after all, he was the newcomer stealing a spot — but maybe because he treated people well, the relationship felt surprisingly friendly.

He wasn't obsessed with being loved… but who didn't like a good atmosphere?

Soon the referee signaled.

Everyone stepped onto their lanes.

The stadium quieted.

The beeping sound came.

GO.

Dayo dove in instantly.

The water wrapped around him, cold and sharp. The field moved together at first, almost equal. At 25m, still tight.

At 30m, Dayo's strokes sharpened — a natural instinct, almost like gears shifting on their own.

He surged forward.

He didn't go full force — just enough.

Touch.

Beep.

He looked up.

21.89

A clean time. He smiled, pulling himself out of the pool as the crowd cheered.

He shook hands with everyone, congratulating those who passed, encouraging those who didn't.

As he stepped aside to grab his towel, a swimmer jogged up to him.

"Bro, my little boy is your biggest fan. If I don't get your autograph, he might chase me out of the house."

Dayo chuckled. "No wahala. Walk with me — my hand is still wet. I'll give you a signed album and merch. I still have some."

The man — Sam — blinked.

He didn't expect that.

Most celebrities said things for show.

But Dayo meant it.

"Ahh… thanks man."

They walked together — and just then, a familiar voice called out.

"Yo! Dayo! Or should I say JD?"

Evan Blake grinned as he walked toward them.

"Haha Evan. Either one works. I'm doing good. Just finished my race." Dayo smiled.

"Yeah, I saw it," Evan said, eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you holding back?"

Dayo smirked. "Does it matter?"

Sam laughed. "Leave him, Evan. This one is secretive."

Evan bumped fists with Sam. "How far, bro?"

"All good. Good luck on your race."

"Thanks. Anyway Dayo, see you. I'll expect you in the finals."

Evan waved and left.

Dayo watched him go.

Then an idea flashed.

Let me check him…

He activated Talent Vision.

[Talent Vision Activated]

Target Acquired: Evan Blake

Age: 27

Talent Rating: S-

Current Level: A+

Potential Reach: S-

Condition: Slight Decline Beginning

Age Factor: Approaching peak limit and injury.

Dayo's eyes narrowed slightly.

He expected S+ or SS based on how talented Evan looked… but instead he found something more surprising:

Evan was an S- talent, but he had stopped just one step below his true potential.

And from the slight downward curve, Dayo could tell:

Evan would soon start declining.

Age was already catching up and he had injury ah no wonder

Which meant…

Even with higher talent than most swimmers at the Trials, Evan might never reach the full peak nature intended for him.

No wonder he fights so hard, Dayo thought.

Some people peak early… others peak late. But Evan… Evan is one of the unlucky ones.

And with the look of things this would be his last Olympic.

Still — Dayo respected him more.

He closed the panel gently.

Sam noticed his expression.

"Why are you looking at him like that?"

Dayo blinked, smiled casually.

"Nothing. Just admiring him. Evan is really working hard."

Sam snorted. "Yeah, unlike some people."

Both of them made eye contact.

They didn't need to mention the name.

Alex.

Speaking of Alex… Dayo glanced around slowly.

No sign of him. Not in the warm-up pool. Not near the stretching area. Not even in the changing lane.

He frowned slightly.

I'll check his Talent later. Wherever he is.

For now, Dayo focused on the next race.

And the next step toward the Olympics.

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