Learning To Flop !

Debbi spent most of her time with the trainer that Jeff had engaged trying to learn basic high jump technique. The trainer had a trampoline set into the base of the run up to the pit to give Debbi some spring so that she could practice bending her run and launching herself backwards over the bar without breaking her neck ! After a painful few days, she began to master this. She was acutely aware of the undignified spectacle she presented landing in the pit with her legs behind her head and her bum in the air. It was a good job she was wearing cycling shorts and she intended to do that on the day also !

There was little hope of achieving any significant height in the time available but at least she could fail in a manner that would show she had some semblance of knowing what she was doing. The long jump and sprint would have to take care of themselves on the day but Debbi did do some additional jogging in her own time to build up stamina for the 800 meters. She did not care about winning this tin pot event but didn't want to give Diane the satisfaction of seeing her make a fool of herself. Her nemesis was coming over from Brussels for the event and Carol had added to the pressure by inviting the Manchester detective for the weekend as Debbi's 'plus one' for the gala dinner after the day's sporting and cultural activities.

When the day dawned, Debbi didn't exactly feel like a trained athlete but she figured she was as ready as she was ever going to be. She packed her cycling gear and swimming things into her bag and headed for the sports center. Carol was already there with James the detective. Debbi shyly said hello. They had spoken a few times on the phone but this was the first time they had actually met since the drunken evening in the hotel. Spectators were already beginning to gather in the mini grandstand. Debbi saw familiar faces from the company waving at her and she saw Stew who was competing for the men.

Before she could exchange more than a few pleasantries with Carol and James however, Diane butted in wearing a painted on smile. The hostility was once more immediately apparent, even though it was the first time they had met for several weeks. "Ah, there you are finally Debbi" was Diane's greeting. This caused Debbi to bridle straight away, since she knew she was not late. "Hurry up, the other competitors are already getting ready." Debbi picked up her sports bag. "What's that ?" asked Diane. "My kit" answered Debbi. "Oh, no need for that. We've got some special custom made kit to make the whole thing look more professional. Come on, Aditty's got it in the changing room."

Debbi exchanged glances with Carol, alarm bells ringing as she reluctantly followed Diane to the changing rooms over in the main building of the complex . "See you later" her friend called, as she went with James to get a prime position in the stand.