Orandia

DAY FIVE–HEADLINES
- The Orandian water polo team wins 12-9 against the United Adaikes.
- The Orandian basketball team wins 85-81 versus Fujai.
- In the 1500 meter run, Raymond Tonneson barely makes it past the qualifier with a time of 3:36.99, while Alexandra Berg falls short with a 3:38.51. Tonneson places fifth in the final, running a full second faster with a time of 3:35.99.
- Sigrun Skyberg swims a disappointing 1:59.33 in the 200-meter butterfly, continuing the rumored curse on swimmers destined for the relay. Giselle Hémery, however, tops her qualifying heat with an impressive time of 1:55.39, and places fourth in the finals, narrowly missing out on a medal with a time of 1:54.04. Jan Ungur surpasses Skyberg with a time of 1:58.65, but it is not enough to qualify him.
- Long jumper Alexis Popelin fails to pass the qualifier, making a single 7.81 meter jump. 
- Carmen Moscovici wins Orandia its first gold, in the long jump, her best jump coming out to 8.2 meters, winning on countback over Nieubasria's Actor Van Knoppen with a better second-best jump.
 
COMMENTARY...?
Four athletes in blue loungewear form a cluster on the floor, sitting on equally blue pillows. One of them, Axelle Reverdin, ties her brown hair into a messy bun and speaks up. "I'm worried about tomorrow's relay. Do you guys believe in this 'relay curse' thing going around?"
The TV positioned in the corner can be heard. Onscreen, Lex Lascar is congratulating Carmen Moscovici on her gold-medal win.
"I don't," admits Sigrun Skyberg, "but now that you mention it, we've all had horrible luck this Esferiad. I hated being shown up by Ungur, of all people."
"I lost a coin flip for the semis," Tove Rud says quietly, "and Maiken came in last. Maybe it's just nerves. We have more pressure on us than the others, because we were fastest when we were being picked for the Esferiad."
On the TV, Lex is going on and on about how proud Carmen's family is of her. 
Axelle glances over at the TV, sighs, and turns back to her fellow athletes. "Maybe we should ask if we can switch out. Ingrid can take my place, or Jesper, even. We don't have to embarrass ourselves more than we already have."
"And lose our only chance at redemption?"
Maiken Morstad finally speaks, brimming with conviction. "This is the one shot we have at telling Orandia–telling the world–that we're better than this! Maybe we mess up, yeah, but we've already messed up. It won't make a difference. But if we do good..."
"Will we?" Axelle's eyes shine with tears. "What are even the chances of that?"
The TV cuts to a clip of Sigrun, making a less-than-impressive flip turn in her butterfly race earlier today.
"Obviously we're no good under the spotlight," she continues. "We're not going to do good. We should let the people who've done good already handle this."
Maiken takes a deep breath. "Think about it, Axelle. Tomorrow, when the relay happens, do you want to say you ran away? Or do you want to be able to say we tried again? You can't see the future. Maybe we'll medal, but we won't know unless we try! We were put on this relay team for a reason, and I don't know about you, but I'm going to see that reason through."
Sigrun nods in agreement. "What was it that basketball guy, Dimitry I think, said a few days ago, about how losing gave his team a fire in their bellies? That's the kind of energy we gotta bring. And they won that day. No reason we can't win, too."
"Besides, I think it's too late to change the roster. Unless one of us gets an injury," adds Tove.
Maiken puts a hand on Axelle's shoulder before the latter can even open her mouth. "Don't even think about faking one."
Lex posits a question to viewers worldwide: Will the relay swimmers follow their declining trend? Or will they rise to the occasion, making something more than the sum of their parts?
Axelle wipes her eyes. "You're right, Maiken. You're right. I don't really want to run away. I'm just really scared."
Maiken pulls Axelle in for a hug, while Lex leads the studio audience in an encouraging cheer. Tove joins in, and when Sigrun wraps her arms around all three, Tove begs her to loosen up a little. "We're all giving a hundred and ten percent out there tomorrow," Sigrun insists. "Promise."
The other three agree, and Axelle finally breaks into a smile.
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY SIX
- Match day six looms for the Orandian basketball and water polo teams.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team has its first match.
- Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl compete in the beach volleyball quarterfinals versus Fujai. 
- Lou Ardouin and Orandian distance running champion Pascaline Duclos compete in the 10,000 meter run.
- Rebakah Serbanescu and Manuel Voinea toss up in the shot put event.
- The 4x200 meter swimming relay takes place, with swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin. We can only hope their performance as a group is greater than the sum of their individual races. 

DAY FIVE–HEADLINES
- The Orandian water polo team wins 12-9 against the United Adaikes.
- The Orandian basketball team wins 85-81 versus Fujai.
- In the 1500 meter run, Raymond Tonneson barely makes it past the qualifier with a time of 3:36.99, while Alexandra Berg falls short with a 3:38.51. Tonneson places fifth in the final, running a full second faster with a time of 3:35.99.
- Sigrun Skyberg swims a disappointing 1:59.33 in the 200-meter butterfly, continuing the rumored curse on swimmers destined for the relay. Giselle Hémery, however, tops her qualifying heat with an impressive time of 1:55.39, and places fourth in the finals, narrowly missing out on a medal with a time of 1:54.04. Jan Ungur surpasses Skyberg with a time of 1:58.65, but it is not enough to qualify him.
- Long jumper Alexis Popelin fails to pass the qualifier, making a single 7.81 meter jump. 
- Carmen Moscovici wins Orandia its first gold, in the long jump, her best jump coming out to 8.2 meters, winning on countback over Nieubasria's Actor Van Knoppen with a better second-best jump.
 
COMMENTARY...?
Four athletes in blue loungewear form a cluster on the floor, sitting on equally blue pillows. One of them, Axelle Reverdin, ties her brown hair into a messy bun and speaks up. "I'm worried about tomorrow's relay. Do you guys believe in this 'relay curse' thing going around?"
The TV positioned in the corner can be heard. Onscreen, Lex Lascar is congratulating Carmen Moscovici on her gold-medal win.
"I don't," admits Sigrun Skyberg, "but now that you mention it, we've all had horrible luck this Esferiad. I hated being shown up by Ungur, of all people."
"I lost a coin flip for the semis," Tove Rud says quietly, "and Maiken came in last. Maybe it's just nerves. We have more pressure on us than the others, because we were fastest when we were being picked for the Esferiad."
On the TV, Lex is going on and on about how proud Carmen's family is of her. 
Axelle glances over at the TV, sighs, and turns back to her fellow athletes. "Maybe we should ask if we can switch out. Ingrid can take my place, or Jesper, even. We don't have to embarrass ourselves more than we already have."
"And lose our only chance at redemption?"
Maiken Morstad finally speaks, brimming with conviction. "This is the one shot we have at telling Orandia–telling the world–that we're better than this! Maybe we mess up, yeah, but we've already messed up. It won't make a difference. But if we do good..."
"Will we?" Axelle's eyes shine with tears. "What are even the chances of that?"
The TV cuts to a clip of Sigrun, making a less-than-impressive flip turn in her butterfly race earlier today.
"Obviously we're no good under the spotlight," she continues. "We're not going to do good. We should let the people who've done good already handle this."
Maiken takes a deep breath. "Think about it, Axelle. Tomorrow, when the relay happens, do you want to say you ran away? Or do you want to be able to say we tried again? You can't see the future. Maybe we'll medal, but we won't know unless we try! We were put on this relay team for a reason, and I don't know about you, but I'm going to see that reason through."
Sigrun nods in agreement. "What was it that basketball guy, Dimitry I think, said a few days ago, about how losing gave his team a fire in their bellies? That's the kind of energy we gotta bring. And they won that day. No reason we can't win, too."
"Besides, I think it's too late to change the roster. Unless one of us gets an injury," adds Tove.
Maiken puts a hand on Axelle's shoulder before the latter can even open her mouth. "Don't even think about faking one."
Lex posits a question to viewers worldwide: Will the relay swimmers follow their declining trend? Or will they rise to the occasion, making something more than the sum of their parts?
Axelle wipes her eyes. "You're right, Maiken. You're right. I don't really want to run away. I'm just really scared."
Maiken pulls Axelle in for a hug, while Lex leads the studio audience in an encouraging cheer. Tove joins in, and when Sigrun wraps her arms around all three, Tove begs her to loosen up a little. "We're all giving a hundred and ten percent out there tomorrow," Sigrun insists. "Promise."
The other three agree, and Axelle finally breaks into a smile.
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY SIX
- Match day six looms for the Orandian basketball and water polo teams.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team has its first match.
- Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl compete in the beach volleyball quarterfinals versus Fujai. 
- Lou Ardouin and Orandian distance running champion Pascaline Duclos compete in the 10,000 meter run.
- Rebakah Serbanescu and Manuel Voinea toss up in the shot put event.
- The 4x200 meter swimming relay takes place, with swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin. We can only hope their performance as a group is greater than the sum of their individual races. 

Jak and James were still playing card games when the camera cut to them. James looks up at the camera.
James: Hello there. While the Komity has banned us from predicting the future terribly-
Jak: -they should had hired a fortune teller-
James: We have been keeping ourselves busy, with these triumph cards.
An image of two of the cards appear on the screen-

James: They aren't out until the games are finished, because obviously there is a medals' category which adds extra points if you call it. But they are pretty fun to play.
Jak: That also means we have more medals to win. Today we won one gold - well done Asih Mina for another Equestrian medal.
They really sounded like they were reading from scripts. It was rubbish, and a little depressing.
James: Kasper is busy with █████████ so he is not attending today's show.
Jak: You know you were bleeped out for that.
James: Wait what?
Jak: For the life I hold, just stick to the ██████ script!
James: You didn't first!
Jak: Yeah, but we were told to!
James: But the script is sh-
The screen goes back to highlights of the day.

[OOC: Post jointly written with @Giovanniland]
 
Governor's Lavender Palace, Quoriv—11:00 AM International Atomic Time, 29th October 1421
“We are now departing the Palace and traveling to the Duchy Estate at Kharventhin for a meeting with other esteemed world leaders,” King Giovanni VI told the other people present at the room. 
He added, “Teodoro Anario-Lauro, the Governor of Lavanda Prima, will be there together with me and a few security guards. Are we all ready?”
“Yes, your Majesty,” replied Theodoro. “Are we traveling by land?”
“No, we shall use a private helicopter with enough space for myself, the Governor, and the four guards. One of the guards is also a trusted pilot and will be commanding the flight,” explained the King.
They left the palace and entered the helicopter. The trip lasted around half an hour, and soon they arrived at a heliport in Kharventhin near the Duchy Estate. 
Duchy Estate, Kharventhin—12:00 PM International Atomic Time, 29th October 1421
“Your Majesty!” Kassakira walks over to the pair, heels clicking across the polished floor, “And you must be the Governor, yes?”
“Yes, I am in fact the Governor of the province whose capital is co-hosting the games together with this city,” replied Teodoro. Meanwhile, the King greeted the Mpitarika.
“Of course, I have read your reports on the city and the plans… How are the games going over there? I understand there was a lot of investment made to allow the capability of the province to be upped, so we could handle the games. Thank you for that, by the way.”
“The games are going nicely, and they have also generated a lot of income from tourists coming to visit not only the games, but also the beautiful Lavandulan historical district and the Violetist churches and royal houses from the Duchy, just like this one. And you’re welcome, of course,” said the Governor.
Kassakira smiles, “Sounds like it was worth the cost, then.” She glances at the King, “How are you feeling about the games currently? I understand that you are 3rd in the rankings currently?”
“The games have been wonderful so far, I’ve watched certain events from the Governor’s Palace after opening the games together with you in the Opening Ceremony. We are in fact 3rd by gold medals at the moment, although there are some strong athletes competing today so I hope we can rise to 2nd,” noted the King. He added, “We’re already 2nd if we count by total medals, after all.”
“I wish them plenty of luck today. I was surprised of how quickly Blue Bubble has risen to the top of the leaderboard, in fact that we have managed to stay number 1 for almost a 3rd of the games in total. They have really made quite the impression, I believe.” She glances at Meklit for a second, looking nervous. He was speaking to the waiter, distracted by the canapés.
“I was also impressed by your nation’s performance, it’s a really good representation of Lavender Island. While Giovanniland had a less than average start, I think we can safely say that both our nations’ performances, together with other Auran teams such as Saint Mark, Santos-Dominius and Orandia, have shown the world a strong showing by our continent.”
She nods slowly, taking in his compliment, “I understand that our relations have been positive for the last 100-ish years, and that Giovanniland understands Blue Bubble almost as well as Blue Bubble understands itself. Although Blue Bubble hasn’t always been the most open country to the rest of the world, I am grateful for all that you think of us. You understand that I’d happily listen to any collaboration or ideas you may have for our nations, yes?” she speaks softly, almost shyly. 
“Of course,” the King agreed. “One of the main focuses of our prime minister Amore Gile Abrente is to keep Giovanniland at the same speed as Esferos is advancing in technology, and we’d of course be happy with any collaboration on this matter or any other that you may have.”
“Well, you have kept us up to speed on any latest technology for a long time. Now I want to open Blue Bubble to the world, I think our joint support on Larxia’s ambition for an international committee for science, with our own Lavender Island push in technology between ourselves could be something for the future?” Kassakira relaxes, Meklit winking at her as he walks behind the King to speak to another Leader.
“I must say Giovanniland does not exactly trust Larxia due to their historical opposition to us, but if other, more trusted Auran nations are also willing to join this international committee, then I’ll see what Amore and the Senate of Giovanniland think,” the King said.
Kass takes a drink from a passing waiter as he catches her eye, “I understand your concerns, I believe in this idea. It will benefit you as much as it will benefit Larxia. Either way, I am looking to push technology advancement, and I would like to do such with my closest ally.” she smirks, taking a sip.
“That’s fair, as I said before I’ll talk with the government and hopefully they are open to the idea. But when the topic is technology advancement between our two nations, I can say for sure that it’s certainly an idea that Giovanniland would support, even if I’m not the one making the decisions.”
“We are of the same ground, Your Majesty, please remember that when I am conducting new business with other nations, including those nations you are perhaps not on the best of terms with.” she winks, and looks over, “It appears the Larxian King and Foreign Affairs Minister is here. I must go and say hello, please enjoy the rest of your afternoon.”
“Of course, our conversation has taken a lot of time already, and it’s almost 13:00, so I understand that you should also talk with other leaders,” the King remarked. “If you don’t mind, myself and the other Giovannilandians here will taste some of the canapés served here, and later, perhaps talk with some other world leaders as well. See you soon, and thank you for organizing this.”
“It is my pleasure, may we speak soon.” She nods, just as Meklit appears to whisk her away. They speak in hushed tones as they walk away, in Glenpavian: “Kass, my Fitiavana, are you taking a note out of-” “Yes. I think it is required, though.” He nods, “Of course.”

II Summer Esferiad - Day 4 & 5 Recap with A. Blubberman
"Hello, everyone! From Kharventhin, Blue Bubble, we at Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network Channel 3 bring you live coverage of the II Summer Esferiad! Our coverage of the II Summer Esferiad is brought to you by our generous sponsor, BreachIn! It's the professional network platform that takes away job-seekers' self-esteem and personal information! I, the unconventionally named narcissist that is Approctoflecticus Blubberman, will be your pantomime-like host for the entire duration of the II Summer Esferiad!"
"And now we go straight to covering the results for Days 4 and 5! Let's talk about Day 4 first. In 10m Platform Dive, our swimmers Peter Pembroke, Robert Blaine and Aline Rockwell were all eliminated in the heats. Unfortunate, but they tried their best! In 200m Breaststroke, our swimmers Yvonne Guillain, John Emeric Davison and Cathy Thomas-Hill were sadly all eliminated in the heats. Day 4 was a bad day for us in aquatics, really. But that's just how competition works in sports, especially in the big leagues."
"Day 4 was Match Day 4 for Water Polo, and our team played against Larxia, barely losing 8-9. Good game to Team Larxia! The bad news is that this leaves Team SD at the very bottom of Water Polo's Group B. I applaud Team SD's determination to never give up and keep playing, though - that's true sportsmanship! Now, we shall move on to covering the results for Day 5 before we get to doing an overall recap."
"Day 5 was also not a good day for Team SD, unfortunately. In 200m Butterfly Swim, our swimmers May Heath, Lionel Brouilland, Adrian Hart and Bertrand Giscard were all eliminated during the heats. They did their best, though. Day 5 was Match Day 5 for Water Polo, and on that day Team SD played against Fhaengshia. And we won 9-7! A much needed win and a great morale boost! Thank you to our Water Polo players for making a comeback after their previous losses."
"And that's it! That's all the events that Santos-Dominius participated in on Days 4 and 5. Let's get to the overall recap. Team SD has 1 gold, no silvers and 1 bronze for a total of 2 medals. We've dropped in the rankings from 7th to 8th place, unfortunately. Hosting nation Blue Bubble continues to reign at the very top of the medal table, with 7 golds, 11 silvers and 7 bronzes contributing to a dazzling total of 25 medals! WOW - the best performing teams are really pulling ahead of the rest of the pack!
"In a distant second is Blue Bubble's co-host Giovanniland, which has been busy catching up to the Glenpavians. They have 7 golds, 5 silvers and 7 bronzes for a total of 19 medals. And sharing 3rd place are: gloomy Hertfordia, with 6 golds, 3 silvers and 4 bronzes for a total of 13 medals; and sporty Nieubasria, with 4 golds, 6 silvers and 3 bronzes for a total of also 13 medals. Will Blue Bubble manage to solidify their lead and win the whole Esferiad, or will the Giovannilandians snatch the overall victory from the hands of their friendly co-host nation? Only time will tell!"
"And that wraps up today's coverage! This is the channel for live and direct coverage of the II Summer Esferiad! I'm Approctoflecticus Blubberman, and I earnestly hope that Team SD will be able to pull itself together and make comebacks across the board for a respectable finish in our first-ever Esferiad! Stay tuned to SDCSN Channel 3 for coverage of the Esferiad, and see you whenever stuff happens!"

A finely dressed woman easily in her forties stepped off the plane, followed by another, younger woman in a fitted suit, hair neatly tied back. As her transition lenses darkened from the Blue Bubble sun, the woman in the suit gestured widely to their surroundings. "Welcome to Blue Bubble, Queen Enfeld," she said, turning in a circle to take in her surroundings.
The Queen laughed. "There's no need for titles, Queenie. We know one another. You can call me Aurélie."
"Because we're such close friends, or because you think people will mix us up again?" Queenie gulped. "On that note, I think I'll just go by Ms. Astier today..."
The Orandian prime minister and the Orandian queen bore little physical resemblance. Aurélie was taller, broader, older, and had a talent for commanding any room she walked into. Her dull blonde hair was beginning to gray. Queenie, on the other hand, was shorter and soft-faced, her hair an unassuming dark brown. She often stood awkwardly on the fringes of social and international events, looking like she wanted to be somewhere else. But the similarity between the name Queenie and the title of queen had confused many a foreign ambassador or politician. As the two made their way to the upcoming meeting of world leaders, Queenie hoped it would not be the case today.

A finely dressed woman easily in her forties stepped off the plane, followed by another, younger woman in a fitted suit, hair neatly tied back. As her transition lenses darkened from the Blue Bubble sun, the woman in the suit gestured widely to their surroundings. "Welcome to Blue Bubble, Queen Enfeld," she said, turning in a circle to take in her surroundings.
The Queen laughed. "There's no need for titles, Queenie. We know one another. You can call me Aurélie."
"Because we're such close friends, or because you think people will mix us up again?" Queenie gulped. "On that note, I think I'll just go by Ms. Astier today..."
The Orandian prime minister and the Orandian queen bore little physical resemblance. Aurélie was taller, broader, older, and had a talent for commanding any room she walked into. Her dull blonde hair was beginning to gray. Queenie, on the other hand, was shorter and soft-faced, her hair an unassuming dark brown. She often stood awkwardly on the fringes of social and international events, looking like she wanted to be somewhere else. But the similarity between the name Queenie and the title of queen had confused many a foreign ambassador or politician. As the two made their way to the upcoming meeting of world leaders, Queenie hoped it would not be the case today.

A finely dressed woman easily in her forties stepped off the plane, followed by another, younger woman in a fitted suit, hair neatly tied back. As her transition lenses darkened from the Blue Bubble sun, the woman in the suit gestured widely to their surroundings. "Welcome to Blue Bubble, Queen Enfeld," she said, turning in a circle to take in her surroundings.
The Queen laughed. "There's no need for titles, Queenie. We know one another. You can call me Aurélie."
"Because we're such close friends, or because you think people will mix us up again?" Queenie gulped. "On that note, I think I'll just go by Ms. Astier today..."
The Orandian prime minister and the Orandian queen bore little physical resemblance. Aurélie was taller, broader, older, and had a talent for commanding any room she walked into. Her dull blonde hair was beginning to gray. Queenie, on the other hand, was shorter and soft-faced, her hair an unassuming dark brown. She often stood awkwardly on the fringes of social and international events, looking like she wanted to be somewhere else. But the similarity between the name Queenie and the title of queen had confused many a foreign ambassador or politician. As the two made their way to the upcoming meeting of world leaders, Queenie hoped it would not be the case today.

A finely dressed woman easily in her forties stepped off the plane, followed by another, younger woman in a fitted suit, hair neatly tied back. As her transition lenses darkened from the Blue Bubble sun, the woman in the suit gestured widely to their surroundings. "Welcome to Blue Bubble, Queen Enfeld," she said, turning in a circle to take in her surroundings.
The Queen laughed. "There's no need for titles, Queenie. We know one another. You can call me Aurélie."
"Because we're such close friends, or because you think people will mix us up again?" Queenie gulped. "On that note, I think I'll just go by Ms. Astier today..."
The Orandian prime minister and the Orandian queen bore little physical resemblance. Aurélie was taller, broader, older, and had a talent for commanding any room she walked into. Her dull blonde hair was beginning to gray. Queenie, on the other hand, was shorter and soft-faced, her hair an unassuming dark brown. She often stood awkwardly on the fringes of social and international events, looking like she wanted to be somewhere else. But the similarity between the name Queenie and the title of queen had confused many a foreign ambassador or politician. As the two made their way to the upcoming meeting of world leaders, Queenie hoped it would not be the case today.

Dazano, Lavanda Prima, Giovanniland—11:00 AM International Atomic Time, 28th October 1421
"Are us four all ready to go?", asked Matteo Settimo-Nerani to his wife and two sons.
"Yes," Angela replied. "Flavio and Augusto, you can go in the back seats of the car. Augusto, please stop using this phone!"
The two obeyed. The members of the Settimo-Nerani family were Matteo, a 45-year-old university teacher, Angela, a 43-year-old web designer, and their two sons Flavio and Augusto, 13 and 15 year old respectively. All were avid sports fans, and they decided to go from Dazano to the nearby city of Quorivo for a few hours to watch some of the Esferiad's games.
"Alright then," said Matteo. "If I'm not mistaken, there's about 50 kilometers between Dazano and Quorivo, so it should take a hour or two for us to arrive—I think we'll stop at a restaurant in Uryde around halfway of our journey, and then arrive with enough time for the 400m Run and Pole Vault events in the Grande Stadio Sferiko starting at 14:00 PM."
The family soon started the journey. Augusto, although initially contemplating the colorful streets of Dazano, soon lost interest as they left the city and went into rural areas. The phone was naturally an attention grabber. Flavio was, unlike his brother, more interested in nature and history.
"Look, here are the ruins of the Tomb of Gyalseno III!", noted Angela. "He was an important Lavandulan emperor," Flavio added.
"I do hope we visit it sometime, but not now," remarked Matteo. The lack of other comments prompted him to say: "Augusto, will you stop looking at the phone at least once?"
"But dad, I can't lose this match of Fight of Factions I am playing! And you know I'm not that interested in those ancient things," the older brother replied. 
"Whatever," whispered Angela in her husband's ear. "I guess we really can't convince him."
Twenty more minutes and they had arrived at Uryde, stopping by at a local restaurant. There were many seafood dishes and salads, and the entire family liked it, spending half an hour in there.
Quorivo, Lavanda Prima, Giovanniland—13:30 PM International Atomic Time, 28th October 1421
Another hour and a half and they had arrived at downtown Quorivo. "It's really crowded," noted Flavio.
"This is the Esferiad after all," replied his older brother.
"Look, there's the Grande Stadio Sferiko!", Angela exclaimed. Let's walk until there. "Matteo, do you have the entrance tickets?"
"Of course," he replied.
The family entered the stadium and, after some time and effort, found their four seats. "There are over 30 thousand people here already, and there's still half an hour before the 400m run starts!", said Angela. "What's the total capacity?"
"I believe it's 100 thousand, but we should probably expect around 50 or 60. It was only really full during the Opening Ceremony," Matteo replied.
"Yeah, shame that we had classes and mom had to work that day," Flavio regretted. "I saw the recording and it was really cool."
The family then waited, some of them looking at their phones or just talking about random things to pass time. A loud voice three minutes before the start got their attention.
"Ladies and gentleman," announced one of the judges, "the 400m run is about to start! Please welcome the athletes that will participate in Heat 1: Gingka Hristov from Hertfordshire and Jammbo, Gilvano Gormo Viator from Giovanniland, Luba Pisk from Teralyon, Lyla Vogel from Dalimbar, Magnus Midtun from Fujai, Milo Audley from United Adaikes, Oumarou Sevil from Dilber, and Ylvia Gougein from Dalimbar! They will start soon."
"Look," said Angela, "let's stop doing other things and watch those games."
13:59 PM. The same judge spoke at the megaphone, "Three... two... one... GO!" The runners all started.
"Go, Gilvano!", yelled the Giovannilandian fans at the stadium, including the family. Gilvano started at third, but in 15 seconds he had taken the second position, and in another 10 he was in the lead. It took 45.52 seconds for him to finish, the first one of the heat, with Luba Pisk from Teralyon arriving a quarter of a second later. The family cheered.
The other heats soon followed with the same procedure, taking around 15 minutes. Beatrige de Abreo-Florino, Gilvano Gormo Viator, Sersio Zara, and Fabio Orintal-Silva had all qualified. In the semifinals, however, only Beatrige and Gilvano ran fast enough to advance to the final.
The clock marked 14:40 PM, and the final was about to start. "All athletes ready? Three... two... one... GO!", said another of the judges. 
"Gilvano is in first place now!", remarked Angela. "But, oh no, it seems Beatrige had a bad start and is now last at eighth..."
"She's seventh now! Go, faster!", cheered Matteo. 
Twenty seconds in. "No! Gilvano has lost the lead!", cried Flavio.
Matteo said: "Ouch, seems he's losing steam... third place now... no, fourth..."
"No, we've lost a place at the podium!", lamented Augusto. The Giovannilandian fans' cheer started to lose force as the judge announced: "Eute Pesotta first! Wervoja Lasure second! Gingka Hristov third!" and so on.
"That was very close," commented Matteo. "They're saying Gilvano only lost by a tenth of a second. Fourth place is still very good anyways."
"Oh well, perhaps we get a medal in Pole Vault later," thought Angela. "Who wants some water or food?", she asked. The family had already been there for some time, and still had another event to watch. It was 15:00 PM now.
Some people had left the stadium, while others had arrived for the next event. It would start at 15:30 PM, and the family patiently waited.
Twenty-five minutes later, the event was about to start. Giovannilandian athletes Neuriano Mettio, Arabella Gianluka, and Edna Nivoso were all ready. The competition started at 5.15 meters, with athletes having three attempts to clear each height and advance to the next. The crowd cheered for each one passing, while sounds of lament could be heard when one was eliminated.
Some time later... "Wow, it's up to 5.65 and many athletes are still performing very well—good to see Giovanniland is within those," said Angela.
"Ouch, there stops Edna after missing three attempts," commented Flavio. "And Arabella."
"Luckily they're in the top twelve that will go to the final," remarked Augusto. 
"Neuriano is going very strong, I hope he can hopefully win the final," said Matteo. "The qualifying has finished at 5.75 meters now, and hurrah for all Giovannilandians advancing!"
The family was very excited for the final, with Giovanniland having good chances at a medal. 
"5.45 meters," noted Angela. "Ouch, three athletes are already out and we've not even gone to the next height..." They all watched as the height of the bar increased.
"It's down to the top 5 now!", said Matteo. "Aleaumin Roachant, Arabella Gianluka, Edna Nivoso, Neuriano Mettio, and Wanja Longs. Three from Giovanniland, one from Glenpavia, one from Nieubasria. We've guaranteed at least one medal!"
5.75 meters was the last height achieved by Aleaumin and Edna. The podium was defined now, all that was yet to be decided was who would get each medal.
"Two medals for Giovanniland!", commented Angela. Wanja from Blue Bubble then had three misses, and two Giovannilandians remained.
"GOLD AND SILVER!", exclaimed Matteo. The family watched as the two Giovannilandians tried to outdo each other, with Arabella eventually finishing second and Neuriano earning first place.
"Giovanniland! Giovanniland!", cheered the fans at the stadium. The anthems of Giovanniland and Blue Bubble were then played in the medal ceremony, and the family proudly sang the former.
"And wow, 5.90 meters is a very high score! It may not be an Esferic record, but it's surely something to be remembered," noted Flavio.
The family was then ready to leave after the day's events in the Grande Stadio Sferiko ended. They left Quorivo at 17:30 PM, and arrived home around one hour later. The competition may have ended, but those were nice memories that would remain for long. 

____________________________________________________________
 
CLARENDON PRESS - Portrait of Avery Williamson, Gold Medalist in Rowing Single Sculls
Our proud traditions of sailing and rowing are carried well by the shoulders of the Basric Astorian Esferic Athletes. On day 4 of the Esferiad, this was proven again by the gold placement of Avery Williamson in rowing single sculls. Avery is a regular fixture of the podium at the Saint Aiaden Regatta since his first gold placement in 1417.
Williamson was born in Dhaidek Pass, Nieubasria, on November 27, 1394. His father Avery worked as a industrial process engineer while his mother, Sausanne (Yvelt), was a dietitian and housewife. Williamson had two sisters (Debbie and Kevie) and one brother (Owain). The family moved to the Gildhaven neighbourhood of Dhaidhek Pass when he was ten months old, where he would go on to graduate from Dennison Secondary School. Williamson went on to study political science at the Tamaric University of Clarendon (TUC), obtaining a bachelor's degree in 1416.
Although he initially played baseball and intended to make the varsity team, his interest in rowing was piqued when he passed by the team's booth during Club Week while registering for courses during his junior year. He was selected in large part due to his height and rowed with the team for two years. During this time, he suffered extreme anxiety and apprehension during major races and joined a student organization with the goal of destigmatizing mental health topics in professional and university athletics. Williamson was promoted to the national team in 1417, after his gold placement in straight pairs at the Saint Aiaden Regatta that year.
Williamson continues his advocacy for mental health awareness and treatment in sport, and was appointed Special Athlete Liaison on Mental Health to the Esferic Executive Quorum in 1420. 
 
____________________________________________________________

 

The Bauhaus Novel - Conversation Street - Episode 6: Ascendance Jammbo

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: ... [looks emotionless & cold, is actually very nervous & shy... & cold]
Mečislavs Deben: Clarkov, we're live.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Oh! Er, h-hi, welcome to this episode of The, erm, Bauhaus Novel which is named after the half of Hertfordshire & Jammbo where me & the Tsar hail from.
Mečislavs Deben: Yes that's right, you thought there wouldn't be an episode 6 but it was us! So, Jammbonevych, care to do the honours? I know how much you love this.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Sure, cheers. It is now time to put out the fire of agreement, on the car bomb of debate, and cordon away the horrific scene from social interaction on Conversation Street.

The ever lovable Conversation Street jingle plays while Hammond spews out a liquid like some kind of fountain or a gentleman's pork sword.
Mečislavs Deben: Sorry. Hah, eh, so sorry.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: That's the best thing that's going to come out of this show.
Mečislavs Deben: Hahahahaaa, ouch! Also, Furutani, how dirty is your mind?!
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: I see no issue here.
Mečislavs Deben: Don't think I didn't notice your little sly edit on the screen, I have access to that too you know.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Like I said, I see no issue here. It's not like it hinders me from my duty as Prime Minister.
Mečislavs Deben: Moving on!
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Right, now you may be wandering why the Tsar & Prime Minister have commandeered this series out of nowhere. Well, I wanted to have a go at hosting it, so there's your answer.
Mečislavs Deben: I'm intrigued as to what the trio had to go and do for them to try and fail (because of us two) to cancel episode 6.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Actually thanks to Kramer we have live camera footage of the good (Hammond), the bad (Clarkson) & the slow (May) and we can reveal what exactly they're getting up to.
Mečislavs Deben: This ought to be good.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: It better be.
(The scene switches from the news room to somewhere in Karventhin, where the ruling duo are reporting from)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Mečislavs Deben: This is Karventhin Train Station at rush hour and well they've handcuffed themselves to a bus.
Jeremy Clarkson: False statistics ruin 48 events a week!
Richard Hammond: BBEK burns planets!
Jeremy Clarkson: Utter rubbish coming out of the back of that group is enough to fill the Great Pacific Ocean every 3 weeks!
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: So they're angry at the BBEK for... reasons.
Mečislavs Deben: Probably because the BBEK claimed they would be average.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Ah yes, to be honest I'm rather miffed about that as well.
Mečislavs Deben: Petrovikan probably is too, but I don't know.
James May: What do we want?!
Jeremy Clarkson: Dalimbari landmines!
James May: When do we want it?!
Richard Hammond: As soon as we can arrange easy finance!
Jeremy Clarkson: Well as soon as the signatures...
Mečislavs Deben: Yeah, we have no hope of receiving those. Dalimbar probably doesn't even consider our land as a real place. It's beyond heathen level.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: National self-deprecation, I love it.
Mečislavs Deben: You know you're weird right?
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Yes, I'm weird and I'm proud of that.
Mečislavs Deben: OK.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Oh, looks like they've chained themselves to another bus that conveniently blocked them from view.
Jeremy Clarkson: My cold dead fingers will have to be prized from this bus!
James May: The only way I'm leaving this bus is without this arm.
Richard Hammond: Once in a man's life...
James May: You've just got to do the right thing.
Jeremy Clarkson: You've got to stand up and say 'what a load of...'
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(The scene switches back to the news room to somewhere in Karventhin, where the ruling duo are reporting from)
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: I draw attention to the fuzzy handcuffs. I'm guessing they came out of James' dungeon?
Mečislavs Deben: They were probably from his special occasions drawer.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Along with leather tights, a belt, a cowboy hat, a tin of spam, a carbon-fibre-ended shoe horn & a 16 year old Bovril beef drink with added slippery egg white. Oh and a model train for good measure.
Mečislavs Deben: I thought that was your drawer?
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: What? No!
Mečislavs Deben: Wait really?
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: No, mine is the one full of the piles of cartoon & anime style AB/DL & Age Regression drawings I look at online in my free time. I do have a model train though.
Mečislavs Deben: I wish I hadn't asked.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Anyhow, would you like to talk about the blunders in our names that the Larxian reporter made?
Mečislavs Deben: Wait, you actually asked that? I have to say great job on improving your confidence in asserting what you want.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: I, er... ehm... appreciate it.
Mečislavs Deben: Take your time, process what happened.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: [sighs] Cheers Deben. I do try.
Mečislavs Deben: You're doing a fine job. We both know that an important part of being the Hertfordian/Jammbian Prime Minister is self-improvement.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: That we do.
Mečislavs Deben: Back to the street of conversation, we turned down Review Avenue earlier, I would not like to talk about it. That Mario man has royally peeved me off and I do not mean that as a pun.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: In that case then...
Mečislavs Deben: Are you worried about the leader meet-up?
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Yeah to be honest I am. I'm already atrocious around people in general unless I've warmed up to them which only you, my family and maybe a few HNJEK athletes and government staff can lay claim to. I also want to go so I can prove myself as someone worthy of both commanding a nation and representing it in the Esferiad.
Mečislavs Deben: I know from experience how hard it is to get you to warm up to someone. I imagine you at maximum warmness to be clingy and even yandere-esque to that one person you warm up to in that manner. Also, you won gold last time so you have nothing to worry about on the Esferiad front okay. You and me both earned our place in the HNJEK fairly, don't let anyone tell you or me otherwise.
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Alright, I see. That is correct, we did earn our places here and I won't let that be forgotten. I vow to perform the best I can and aim for Javelin Throw gold once more. On the other point, that would be a realistic depiction of me if such a situation ever arose, I do think. I'm the sort of guy who will be completely cold to everyone but then super clingy to one specific person, whether it be mentor figure, crush, even a fellow national leader though the latter has a chance of next to zero. Not sure on the yandere-esque part as you're claiming though.
Mečislavs Deben: Shall we return to the topic?
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Yes we shall. I already struggle astronomically with people in general. It's worse this time round because it is a meet-up of national leaders. Petrovikan, Dominic, Carnet, Salazar, Nazhim, Giovanni, freaking Marcarius(!) and more are all going to be there.
Mečislavs Deben: It's okay Furutani, I'll help you get accustomed to the dignitaries and then leave you to your own devices. We can talk about Conversation Street, how other countries are doing with autism acceptance, personality theory and all that. Does that sound good?
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Cheers, I know I don't ever say this but this sort of thing does mean a lot to me.
Mečislavs Deben: Anytime, it's the least I could do as His Majesty the Tsar of Hertfordshire & Jammbo. Now then, shall we go?
Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Yeah, let me just quickly put the event schedule for Day 5 up. We can let Kramer perform the athlete analysis later in the events.
Day 5 Event Schedule
Events/Ívents Athletes/Àølīts 200m Butterfly Swimming Sentinel "Prime" Putniņš, Samson Myroshnychenko, Shuichi Salmiņš 1,500m Track Afuro Tytarenko, Judai Yakymchuk, Tommy Venev Field Long Jump Mamoru Endziņš, Yuuto Kreslīns Equestrian Individual Jumping Jolyne Cishisheva, Miko Tymchuk Park Skateboarding Seiko Skudra, Chihiro Freimanis Tennis Doubles Stage 1 Dio Burluka + Faust Ḩarełeudeiem, Sakuya Ivanova + Kaguya Hadjiivanovasan Baseball Matchday 5 Hertfordia Baseball Beach Volleyball Matchday 5 Frisk Dachev + Robert Spïďwagen Water Polo Matchday 5 Hertfordshire & Jammbo Water Polo Team Basketball Matchday 5 Hertfordia Basketball Handball Matchday 1 Hertfordia Handball Federation Lacrosse Matchday 1 Hertfordia Lacrosse  
The pair, with Jammbonevych Furutani reassured, left the station and got into their very own luxury car that they themselves own (no security firm here) and left for the leader meet-up. As for the trio of hosts, they ended up running away. Perhaps they should leave protests to the professionals. Now we say goodbye. Some say we are dead but the Tsar is too afraid to tell us, and that we can open a portable news station with our testes. All we know is, we're going to the Verkhovna Anglia now to look in Clarkov's special occasions drawer and that we're the HNJEK. Goodnight!
         

DAY FOUR–HEADLINES
- The Orandian basketball and water polo teams do not play today, enjoying a well-deserved day off. They will return in the next day's events.
- Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl cling tightly to their ranking of third in their group, in the beach volleyball event. 
- All three Orandian single scull rowers fall into the repechage bracket. Monica Lovdahl and Richard Ancel pass the first round of repechage, but neither makes it into the quarterfinals. Simon Samuelson doesn't even make it to that.
- 10-meter platform diver Amanda Orvik dives into the qualifiers with a qualifying rank of 453.55. A semifinal score of 474.35 nets her a spot in the final, but not a medal, finishing tenth with a score of 452.40 and a knee injury.
- Fellow diver Lasse Heide, with a score of 408.40, does not pass the qualifier.
- Breaststroker Tove Rud loses her spot in the semifinals to a coin flip, her time of 2:11.33 tying her with Maltilda Voigts of Dalimbar.
- Auden Skogen flops with a time of 2:13.99. Nathan Clérisseau qualifies with a time of 2:11.29, mere fractions of a second separating him from Rud and Voigts.
- Clérisseau ties for the top of his semifinal heat with an impressive time of 2:08.91, but places fifth in the final with a slightly less impressive 2:09.25. Again, no medal.
- Nathan Messier and Catalina Rotaru pass the 400-meter run qualifier with times of 45.43 and 46.10, respectively. But semifinal times of 44.95 and 45.07, also respectively, are not enough to put them in the finals.
- Pole vaulters Martin Thévenet and Margarita Olinescu do well in the qualifier with scores of 5.65, Thévenet making four of his vaults on the first try. In the finals, though, he only makes one of his vaults, and Olinescu makes none.
 
COMMENTARY
"Lex Lascar, once again, coming at you live from day four of the Esferiad! Brilliant performances by many of our athletes today, although none were enough to earn Orandia another medal. It is how it is today, folks, and no one knows that more than our very own star diver, Amanda Orvik. How's the knee looking, Amanda?"
[The camera cuts to Amanda's knee, wrapped with a cold compress. It then cuts back up to Lex and Amanda's upper bodies.]
Amanda: "It doesn't hurt much anymore. It was bound to happen sometime, at the rate I've been diving and swimming. There's a lot of knee-bending when you dive, after all. This is just... a really unlucky time for it to happen. Yeah, really unlucky."
[Amanda tries to say more, but she's having a hard time keeping herself composed. She looks as though she might cry. Lex gives her a reassuring touch on the shoulder.]
"We all have our off days, Amanda. I won't keep you here any longer. I speak for all of Orandia when I say, get well soon."
[Amanda leaves. Lex turns back to the camera.]
"Speaking of off days, we'll have more athletes who didn't quite make the cut today for you in a few minutes. After the break, stay tuned to hear from pole vaulters Martin Thévenet and Margarita Olinescu, and breaststroker Nathan Clérissau!"
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY FIVE
- The Orandian basketball and water polo teams return for match day five.
- The 1500 meter run, featuring the quickly rising star Raymond Tonneson and fellow runner Alexandra "Ice Berg" Berg, takes place.
- The long jump event, featuring Carmen Moscivici and the barely-qualified Alexis Popelin, takes place.
- Sigrun Skyberg, having dominated nationwide swimming championships in the past year, makes a splash in the 200-meter butterfly. Giselle Hémery and Jan Ungur will also partake in the event.
 
 

DAY FOUR–HEADLINES
- The Orandian basketball and water polo teams do not play today, enjoying a well-deserved day off. They will return in the next day's events.
- Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl cling tightly to their ranking of third in their group, in the beach volleyball event. 
- All three Orandian single scull rowers fall into the repechage bracket. Monica Lovdahl and Richard Ancel pass the first round of repechage, but neither makes it into the quarterfinals. Simon Samuelson doesn't even make it to that.
- 10-meter platform diver Amanda Orvik dives into the qualifiers with a qualifying rank of 453.55. A semifinal score of 474.35 nets her a spot in the final, but not a medal, finishing tenth with a score of 452.40 and a knee injury.
- Fellow diver Lasse Heide, with a score of 408.40, does not pass the qualifier.
- Breaststroker Tove Rud loses her spot in the semifinals to a coin flip, her time of 2:11.33 tying her with Maltilda Voigts of Dalimbar.
- Auden Skogen flops with a time of 2:13.99. Nathan Clérisseau qualifies with a time of 2:11.29, mere fractions of a second separating him from Rud and Voigts.
- Clérisseau ties for the top of his semifinal heat with an impressive time of 2:08.91, but places fifth in the final with a slightly less impressive 2:09.25. Again, no medal.
- Nathan Messier and Catalina Rotaru pass the 400-meter run qualifier with times of 45.43 and 46.10, respectively. But semifinal times of 44.95 and 45.07, also respectively, are not enough to put them in the finals.
- Pole vaulters Martin Thévenet and Margarita Olinescu do well in the qualifier with scores of 5.65, Thévenet making four of his vaults on the first try. In the finals, though, he only makes one of his vaults, and Olinescu makes none.
 
COMMENTARY
"Lex Lascar, once again, coming at you live from day four of the Esferiad! Brilliant performances by many of our athletes today, although none were enough to earn Orandia another medal. It is how it is today, folks, and no one knows that more than our very own star diver, Amanda Orvik. How's the knee looking, Amanda?"
[The camera cuts to Amanda's knee, wrapped with a cold compress. It then cuts back up to Lex and Amanda's upper bodies.]
Amanda: "It doesn't hurt much anymore. It was bound to happen sometime, at the rate I've been diving and swimming. There's a lot of knee-bending when you dive, after all. This is just... a really unlucky time for it to happen. Yeah, really unlucky."
[Amanda tries to say more, but she's having a hard time keeping herself composed. She looks as though she might cry. Lex gives her a reassuring touch on the shoulder.]
"We all have our off days, Amanda. I won't keep you here any longer. I speak for all of Orandia when I say, get well soon."
[Amanda leaves. Lex turns back to the camera.]
"Speaking of off days, we'll have more athletes who didn't quite make the cut today for you in a few minutes. After the break, stay tuned to hear from pole vaulters Martin Thévenet and Margarita Olinescu, and breaststroker Nathan Clérissau!"
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY FIVE
- The Orandian basketball and water polo teams return for match day five.
- The 1500 meter run, featuring the quickly rising star Raymond Tonneson and fellow runner Alexandra "Ice Berg" Berg, takes place.
- The long jump event, featuring Carmen Moscivici and the barely-qualified Alexis Popelin, takes place.
- Sigrun Skyberg, having dominated nationwide swimming championships in the past year, makes a splash in the 200-meter butterfly. Giselle Hémery and Jan Ungur will also partake in the event.
 
 

Kassakira walks across the main office floor of the Blue Bubble Esferiad Komity, and knocks on the door of the main leaders, Ociden Shoviv and Lena Hants.
"Come in!"
She opens the door, and almost storms in, "I have a knot to pick with both of you!" 
They look at each other in panic as she starts her rant, the door slamming behind her
"You said we will do average, and we will be shown as a comfortable but stable country. So why on Lavans dirt are we top of the leader board with 18 medals?!" She hisses, her necklaces dangle as she places her hands on the back of the sofa. Her vibes were very angry.
"Well you-" Ociden starts
"I know I asked for Guntur and my brother. But you had data analysts on this. We are running rings round other countries! Its embarrassing! I wanted to hide in plain sight, because we needed to do so to go forward as a nation. Not completely show up the King of Saint Mark!" She points to the TV, recapping the Blue Bubble medal wins.
Lena stands up, almost shaking "the athletes.. they are strong people. We werent exactly expecting this push from them either." She says quietly
"I have a event tomorrow with other leaders, I will tell you what damage you've done afterwards." She growls
Lena nods "we will look into it on our side too."
Kassakira glares at them, waving a finger at them "don't mess this up again. I dont want to be accused of any wrongdoing here because you decided to pick out people who excel beyond what is needed right now." She turns and heads to the door, done with any form of excuse.
Ociden nods "We are sorry about-"
The door slams shut. 
"-this. Lena, what have we done?"
"I.. I dont know. What have we done?" 
They look at each other. Scared. Confused. Concerned.
 
*the GSN analysis show will be presented at a later time, but soon.*

Idag i Verden // Today in the World
Esferic Edition
Masina Marina, Kharventhin, Glenpavia - Gold in sailing! Aline Stormo-Nguyen and Mikke Stormo-Nguyen have earned the nations first medal! The sailors carried our heritage strongly in the Multihull Sailing competition, with 2 first place and 2 second place finishes among the event's seven races, finishing nearly ten points ahead of the silver medalists. The couple shared an emotional moment on top of the podium as Arbetarna played for the first time at the Games.
Kharventhin, Glenpavia - The office of Utanriksrådgafar (Minister of Foreign Affairs) Ivo Solum (K) has confirmed that the Rådgafar, who is currently attending the Esferic Games, will be present at the impromptu conference announced by Mpitarika Petrovikan of Glenpavia. It has not been publicly announced the subject, if any, of the conference, though some in the Utanriks office have implied it is related solely to the Games.
Grand Esferic Stadium, Quoriv, Giovanniland - Many eyes are on the athletics stadium today as Vilja Arnøy competes in pole vault. The former gold medalist is hopeful for the day's competition, saying that they've come to do their best and make Braskvik proud. After their win at the first Esferiad, they had a rough showing at the Athletic World Games, placing only ninth. Depending on how today goes, we may see the final performance of this athletic great.

DAY THREE–HEADLINES
- The Orandian basketball team loses 79-78 to Giovanniland. The game was so close, it went into overtime.
- The Orandian water polo team loses 8-5 vs. Nieubasria.
- A win was in the cards today for Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl, now third in their group after beating Teryalon.
- Kai Haagen and Jonathan Stuart place fourth in the multihull event, narrowly missing out on a medal with a score of 34.
- Backstroker Quentin Sylvestre finishes with a time of 2:12.76, not enough to pass the qualifier.
- Fellow backstroker Maiken Morstad finishes dead last in her heat, with a time of 2:18.62. Let's hope this is not a trend among swimmers destined for the relay, given Axelle Reverdin's performance earlier in the games.
- Arnold Nordrum, surprisingly, beats them both out, with a time of 2:11.29. However, it is still not enough to qualify him for the semifinals.
- In the 100-meter run, Jean-Christophe Genest speeds past the qualifier with a time of 11.29 seconds, placing second overall. His rival, Ilie Andreescu, is right behind him with a time of 11.65 seconds.
- Nina Millet breaks her personal record with a time of 12.29 seconds, but she just barely misses the cutoff to qualify for semifinals.
- Genest and Andreescu finish the semifinal with times of 11.14 and 11.24 respectively, but neither makes it into the final.
- Berix Tomoiaga ties for ninth in the high jump qualifiers, but makes it to the finals, winning Orandia's first medal–a bronze!

COMMENTARY
"I'm Lex Lascar, reporting live from the Esferiad! I'm sure we all saw Mr. Tomoiaga's history-making high jump earlier today. History-making as in, he's earned Orandia its very first Esferiad medal! We've brought him here to the studio. Berix, how does it feel to have gotten Orandia's first medal?"
Berix: "Wow. Just... wow. Everything since I made the jump has been a blur. People were cheering. Coach, my coach, and Germaine and a few others were carrying me around on their shoulders. It still doesn't feel real yet. I have to hold onto it, like this, so I know it's there." [He clutches the medal, holding it close to his chest.]
"I can imagine! It's got to be a big shift. Has your family sent you congratulations yet?"
Berix: "Oh, yes. My mother, my father, even my sisters. Congratulations, congratulations. I hear it everywhere I go."
"We've got time for one last question. Do you have any words of advice for aspiring high jumpers, or Orandian athletes in general?"
Berix: "Hm... get sleep. That's the first thing. Set a time every day to practice, that's the second. Finally, well, don't go into it with a flat back. Be ready to curve around the bar. That's what gets you extra height."
"Thank you so much for those thoughtful answers, Berix. But it seems our time is up. Thank you, Orandia, for joining us live here and now."
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY FOUR
- Match day four arrives for the Orandian basketball and water polo teams.
- Match day four as well for beach volleyball team Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl.
- Amanda Orvik gets her second chance at glory in the 10-meter platform dive. You can do it, Amanda!
- Tove Rud, Nathan Clérisseau, and Auden Skogen perform in the 200-meter breaststroke.
- The single-scull rowing event, featuring Monica Lovdahl, Simon Samuelson, and Richard Ancel, will take place.
- Nathan Messier and Catalina Rotaru race in the 400-meter run.
- Finally, the pole vault event takes place, featuring Margareta Olinescu and Martin Thévenet.

Giovannilandian Esferiad Report - 3rd Day
3 Gold - 2 Silver - 1 Bronze
Hello again, Giovannilandians! I am Karlo Nakamura-Edrense, the host of the Giovannilandian Esferiad Report. Today I'll talk about the results in the 3rd day of Esferic events and Giovannilandian highlights, as well as present the upcoming events for the next day. Firstly, we'll talk about yesterday's events in Kharventhin!
In the 200 m Backstroke Swim, four Giovannilandian athletes participated: Yesse Gilvano-Altada, Lavanda Aselliana, Gigero Neuriano Vitale, and Klodio Giovanni-Santi. The only to qualify past the initial heats was Yesse, ranking 8th overall, while Gigero was unfortunately disqualified from the race. Her performance improved in the semifinals, earning 2nd place of her group and advancing into the finals. In the end, she was able to bring home another gold! Yesse shared the podium with 2nd place Hecatia Lukanova from Hertfordshire and Jammbo (H&J) and 3rd place Ethel Merman from Saint Mark.
As for the first stage of the Judo events, Tamara Montemor-Verdi failed to qualify past the group stage but Alberto Montemorano and Raimundo Ligustio were more successful. Alberto was defeated in the quarterfinals and will go in the repechage bracket, while Raimundo defeated Faith Peytone from Nieubasria and will meet Funny Valentain from H&J in the semifinals. Then, matchday 3 of Water Polo saw Fhaengshia win against Giovanniland, while in Beach Volleyball, our athletes Alessander Elessiano-Savora and Elisabetta Santi earned their first win, namely against Christmas Hanley and Haven Cannon from United Adaikes.
In the city of Quorivo, six events happened yesterday, notably the start of the track and field events which are all hosted in the Grand Esferic Stadium. Giovannilandian athletes Kyro Velsio-Sousa, Humberto Takeda, Telles Arpineyo, and Roberto Arvale all participated in the 100 m Run, with all of them qualifying for the semifinals but only Kyro advancing to the finals. In fact, Kyro had notably achieved first place in both the heats and semifinals, but he was unlucky in the finals as he sadly placed last.
Meanwhile, in the Equestrian Eventing Individuals, athletes Klementina Regio-Amanda and Ivone Lauro Hamada had a very good performance but barely missed the podium, placing 4th and 5th. As for Tennis Singles, both Karlo Herbario and Saulo Urydesi Afraniano failed to win in the round of 16 and were therefore eliminated. Now there's happier news about the Quorivo events! Our Baseball team won 4-2 against the Dalimbari, and is now placed 2nd in the group behind Cambria, while in Basketball, a close match against Orandia resulted in a 79-78 win in overtime.
Finally, the High Jump event featured Giovannilandian athletes Frankina Savorana-Lauro, Vanda Kupienno, and Konrado Trieste. Konrado and FranKine achieved a safe qualifying, tying for first, while Vanda failed one jump but nevertheless also advanced into the final. The tables then turned for Giovannilandian athletes, as Vanda improved her performance in comparison to the qualifiers and earned Giovanniland its third gold medal! Konrado, who also achieved a nearly perfect performance, got the silver medal because he failed in higher heights, whereas Frankine could not advance past 1.93 meters and finished 7th.
Following this quick review, it's now time to talk about upcoming events! Firstly, here's the list of events happening in Kharventhin, broadcasted on channels 206 to 210:
Matchday 4 of Beach Volleyball featuring Alessander Elessiano-Savora and Elisabetta Santi;
200 m Breastroke Swim featuring Giovanna Voglaria, Zelya Pasqual-Arbone, Horatio Andolia-Zara, and Susanna Sanquinio;
Judo Finals featuring Alberto Montemorano in the repechage bracket and Raimundo Ligustio in the main bracket;
10 m Platform Dive featuring Amanda Portovini, Lorentio Nakamura-Aureli, and Teresa Ferrari;
Matchday 4 of Water Polo (team event);
Furthermore, the Rowing Single Sculls will also be happening, but without Giovannilandian participation. In Quorivo, the following events will happen tomorrow and be broadcasted on channels 201 to 205:
Matchday 4 of Baseball (team event);
Matchday 4 of Basketball (team event);
Equestrian Eventing Team featuring Klementina Regio-Amanda and Ivone Lauro Hamada;
Pole Vault featuring Neuriano Mettio, Arabella Gianluka, and Edna Nivoso;
400 m Run featuring Beatrige de Abreo-Florino, Sersio Zara, Fabio Orintal-Silva, and Gilvano Gormo Viator;
And that's all we will have during the fourth day of Esferic events! Anyone can watch live events on the channels 201 to 210, and for members of our monthly subscription, we also have recordings in our website if you aren't able to check them live. See you tomorrow for the next report!

DAY THREE–HEADLINES
- The Orandian basketball team loses 79-78 to Giovanniland. The game was so close, it went into overtime.
- The Orandian water polo team loses 8-5 vs. Nieubasria.
- A win was in the cards today for Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl, now third in their group after beating Teryalon.
- Kai Haagen and Jonathan Stuart place fourth in the multihull event, narrowly missing out on a medal with a score of 34.
- Backstroker Quentin Sylvestre finishes with a time of 2:12.76, not enough to pass the qualifier.
- Fellow backstroker Maiken Morstad finishes dead last in her heat, with a time of 2:18.62. Let's hope this is not a trend among swimmers destined for the relay, given Axelle Reverdin's performance earlier in the games.
- Arnold Nordrum, surprisingly, beats them both out, with a time of 2:11.29. However, it is still not enough to qualify him for the semifinals.
- In the 100-meter run, Jean-Christophe Genest speeds past the qualifier with a time of 11.29 seconds, placing second overall. His rival, Ilie Andreescu, is right behind him with a time of 11.65 seconds.
- Nina Millet breaks her personal record with a time of 12.29 seconds, but she just barely misses the cutoff to qualify for semifinals.
- Genest and Andreescu finish the semifinal with times of 11.14 and 11.24 respectively, but neither makes it into the final.
- Berix Tomoiaga ties for ninth in the high jump qualifiers, but makes it to the finals, winning Orandia's first medal–a bronze!

COMMENTARY
"I'm Lex Lascar, reporting live from the Esferiad! I'm sure we all saw Mr. Tomoiaga's history-making high jump earlier today. History-making as in, he's earned Orandia its very first Esferiad medal! We've brought him here to the studio. Berix, how does it feel to have gotten Orandia's first medal?"
Berix: "Wow. Just... wow. Everything since I made the jump has been a blur. People were cheering. Coach, my coach, and Germaine and a few others were carrying me around on their shoulders. It still doesn't feel real yet. I have to hold onto it, like this, so I know it's there." [He clutches the medal, holding it close to his chest.]
"I can imagine! It's got to be a big shift. Has your family sent you congratulations yet?"
Berix: "Oh, yes. My mother, my father, even my sisters. Congratulations, congratulations. I hear it everywhere I go."
"We've got time for one last question. Do you have any words of advice for aspiring high jumpers, or Orandian athletes in general?"
Berix: "Hm... get sleep. That's the first thing. Set a time every day to practice, that's the second. Finally, well, don't go into it with a flat back. Be ready to curve around the bar. That's what gets you extra height."
"Thank you so much for those thoughtful answers, Berix. But it seems our time is up. Thank you, Orandia, for joining us live here and now."
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY FOUR
- Match day four arrives for the Orandian basketball and water polo teams.
- Match day four as well for beach volleyball team Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl.
- Amanda Orvik gets her second chance at glory in the 10-meter platform dive. You can do it, Amanda!
- Tove Rud, Nathan Clérisseau, and Auden Skogen perform in the 200-meter breaststroke.
- The single-scull rowing event, featuring Monica Lovdahl, Simon Samuelson, and Richard Ancel, will take place.
- Nathan Messier and Catalina Rotaru race in the 400-meter run.
- Finally, the pole vault event takes place, featuring Margareta Olinescu and Martin Thévenet.

DAY THREE–HEADLINES
- The Orandian basketball team loses 79-78 to Giovanniland. The game was so close, it went into overtime.
- The Orandian water polo team loses 8-5 vs. Nieubasria.
- A win was in the cards today for Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl, now third in their group after beating Teryalon.
- Kai Haagen and Jonathan Stuart place fourth in the multihull event, narrowly missing out on a medal with a score of 34.
- Backstroker Quentin Sylvestre finishes with a time of 2:12.76, not enough to pass the qualifier.
- Fellow backstroker Maiken Morstad finishes dead last in her heat, with a time of 2:18.62. Let's hope this is not a trend among swimmers destined for the relay, given Axelle Reverdin's performance earlier in the games.
- Arnold Nordrum, surprisingly, beats them both out, with a time of 2:11.29. However, it is still not enough to qualify him for the semifinals.
- In the 100-meter run, Jean-Christophe Genest speeds past the qualifier with a time of 11.29 seconds, placing second overall. His rival, Ilie Andreescu, is right behind him with a time of 11.65 seconds.
- Nina Millet breaks her personal record with a time of 12.29 seconds, but she just barely misses the cutoff to qualify for semifinals.
- Genest and Andreescu finish the semifinal with times of 11.14 and 11.24 respectively, but neither makes it into the final.
- Berix Tomoiaga ties for ninth in the high jump qualifiers, but makes it to the finals, winning Orandia's first medal–a bronze!

COMMENTARY
"I'm Lex Lascar, reporting live from the Esferiad! I'm sure we all saw Mr. Tomoiaga's history-making high jump earlier today. History-making as in, he's earned Orandia its very first Esferiad medal! We've brought him here to the studio. Berix, how does it feel to have gotten Orandia's first medal?"
Berix: "Wow. Just... wow. Everything since I made the jump has been a blur. People were cheering. Coach, my coach, and Germaine and a few others were carrying me around on their shoulders. It still doesn't feel real yet. I have to hold onto it, like this, so I know it's there." [He clutches the medal, holding it close to his chest.]
"I can imagine! It's got to be a big shift. Has your family sent you congratulations yet?"
Berix: "Oh, yes. My mother, my father, even my sisters. Congratulations, congratulations. I hear it everywhere I go."
"We've got time for one last question. Do you have any words of advice for aspiring high jumpers, or Orandian athletes in general?"
Berix: "Hm... get sleep. That's the first thing. Set a time every day to practice, that's the second. Finally, well, don't go into it with a flat back. Be ready to curve around the bar. That's what gets you extra height."
"Thank you so much for those thoughtful answers, Berix. But it seems our time is up. Thank you, Orandia, for joining us live here and now."
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY FOUR
- Match day four arrives for the Orandian basketball and water polo teams.
- Match day four as well for beach volleyball team Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl.
- Amanda Orvik gets her second chance at glory in the 10-meter platform dive. You can do it, Amanda!
- Tove Rud, Nathan Clérisseau, and Auden Skogen perform in the 200-meter breaststroke.
- The single-scull rowing event, featuring Monica Lovdahl, Simon Samuelson, and Richard Ancel, will take place.
- Nathan Messier and Catalina Rotaru race in the 400-meter run.
- Finally, the pole vault event takes place, featuring Margareta Olinescu and Martin Thévenet.

DAY THREE–HEADLINES
- The Orandian basketball team loses 79-78 to Giovanniland. The game was so close, it went into overtime.
- The Orandian water polo team loses 8-5 vs. Nieubasria.
- A win was in the cards today for Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl, now third in their group after beating Teryalon.
- Kai Haagen and Jonathan Stuart place fourth in the multihull event, narrowly missing out on a medal with a score of 34.
- Backstroker Quentin Sylvestre finishes with a time of 2:12.76, not enough to pass the qualifier.
- Fellow backstroker Maiken Morstad finishes dead last in her heat, with a time of 2:18.62. Let's hope this is not a trend among swimmers destined for the relay, given Axelle Reverdin's performance earlier in the games.
- Arnold Nordrum, surprisingly, beats them both out, with a time of 2:11.29. However, it is still not enough to qualify him for the semifinals.
- In the 100-meter run, Jean-Christophe Genest speeds past the qualifier with a time of 11.29 seconds, placing second overall. His rival, Ilie Andreescu, is right behind him with a time of 11.65 seconds.
- Nina Millet breaks her personal record with a time of 12.29 seconds, but she just barely misses the cutoff to qualify for semifinals.
- Genest and Andreescu finish the semifinal with times of 11.14 and 11.24 respectively, but neither makes it into the final.
- Berix Tomoiaga ties for ninth in the high jump qualifiers, but makes it to the finals, winning Orandia's first medal–a bronze!

COMMENTARY
"I'm Lex Lascar, reporting live from the Esferiad! I'm sure we all saw Mr. Tomoiaga's history-making high jump earlier today. History-making as in, he's earned Orandia its very first Esferiad medal! We've brought him here to the studio. Berix, how does it feel to have gotten Orandia's first medal?"
Berix: "Wow. Just... wow. Everything since I made the jump has been a blur. People were cheering. Coach, my coach, and Germaine and a few others were carrying me around on their shoulders. It still doesn't feel real yet. I have to hold onto it, like this, so I know it's there." [He clutches the medal, holding it close to his chest.]
"I can imagine! It's got to be a big shift. Has your family sent you congratulations yet?"
Berix: "Oh, yes. My mother, my father, even my sisters. Congratulations, congratulations. I hear it everywhere I go."
"We've got time for one last question. Do you have any words of advice for aspiring high jumpers, or Orandian athletes in general?"
Berix: "Hm... get sleep. That's the first thing. Set a time every day to practice, that's the second. Finally, well, don't go into it with a flat back. Be ready to curve around the bar. That's what gets you extra height."
"Thank you so much for those thoughtful answers, Berix. But it seems our time is up. Thank you, Orandia, for joining us live here and now."
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY FOUR
- Match day four arrives for the Orandian basketball and water polo teams.
- Match day four as well for beach volleyball team Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl.
- Amanda Orvik gets her second chance at glory in the 10-meter platform dive. You can do it, Amanda!
- Tove Rud, Nathan Clérisseau, and Auden Skogen perform in the 200-meter breaststroke.
- The single-scull rowing event, featuring Monica Lovdahl, Simon Samuelson, and Richard Ancel, will take place.
- Nathan Messier and Catalina Rotaru race in the 400-meter run.
- Finally, the pole vault event takes place, featuring Margareta Olinescu and Martin Thévenet.

SUMMER ESFERIAD DAY 3
Hello everyone, I report from Kharventhin, Blue Bubble. Another less exciting day for us, after still no medal collection. However, we congratulate the athletes who have been in action today.
Lee Kuan Cheng, Albert Soffian and Alicia Rozak have competed in the 200m backstroke. 2 of them failed to get past the heat stage while Kuan Cheng finished the competition in the semi -finals, finished 6th and failed to advance to the final.
As for Bryan Charasandran, he finished the high jump competition in 16th place. Congratulations to the 20 -year -old athlete.

High Jump final result
 
And for the equestrian, Mizan Zainal Abidin, finished the competition in 9th place. "I apologize to all Arifians, I can do better, but I feel sick since yesterday. Although the sports minister himself gave me the green light to quit from this event, but I still want to compete in it for Arifiyyah".
Equestrian Individual Eventing final result

Mizan during the match
 
3 athletes on the running track, and 2 of them finished the 100m run in the semi -finals 2.
Not forgetting also the national Basketball team, taking advantage of a day without competition with full -time training to surprise everyone. Luckily for us, the national team is now ranked 6th out of 7 after Tupmonia recorded a defeat to Nieubasria.
 
And this is the latest medal tally standings
Blue Bubble looks serious in this Esferiad after successfully collecting 5 gold 7 silver and 6 bronze! Followed by Hertfordshire and Jammbo with 4 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze. while Arifiyyah has yet to have any medals. We hope a miracle happens to our athletes the next day, to be able to at least get one medal to our home.
That's all the reports for today,see you next time.
 
Reported by: Mahmoud Hammadi

Signup/OOC Thread | Roleplay/IC Thread (you are here) | Results Thread | Signup Creator | Host Bid
 
Dear Leaders and Citizens of Esferos,
The Leaders of Giovanniland and Blue Bubble would like to welcome you to the II Summer Esferiad, hosted within Quoriv & Kharventhin as well as other cities across our glorious nations. 
The II Summer Esferiad has given our nations an opportunity. An opportunity to highlight what Lavender Island holds. An opportunity to mark our relations as positive worldwide for the first time in history. An opportunity to show our citizens that we are strong together. During our bid, we realised what we wanted these games to mean to us - Friendship born from Rivalry,  Individuality born from Belief, Trust born from Understanding. Our teamwork has risen from ashes of two nations who have a long history, and we are hoping to become fruitful from this labour.
We would also like to thank the Esferiad committee for accepting our bid, and we hope that these games will inspire you, readers, to continue the ideals we have come to realise are our greatest strengths and of which we have chosen to highlight in our time of hosting this worldwide event. Friendship. Individuality. Trust. 
We hope you enjoy the Games and our Nations,
Kassakira Petrovikan, Leader of Blue Bubble
King Giovanni VI, Monarch of Giovanniland
Welcome to the roleplay thread for the Games of the Second Summer Esferiad! Replies to this thread should be In-Character—any OOC replies should be posted either in the OOC thread linked above or in #esferiad in the RP Discord.
If you have not signed up for this event, do not post anything here!
Information on venues and the host cities and countries can be found in the posts immediately below by the respective IC hosts.
The Games will run over 15 days from the 24th of October to the 7th of November
RP Cutoffs will be at 9 pm ET (1 am UTC the following day) each day and results will be posted soon after
The schedule of events can be found in the OOC thread
 

— We all have questions sometimes, we're all confused sometimes, welcome to Hva i allverden!? Where Alva will try to answer your burning desires on the day's hottest topics —
Hei Hei! Today we've got what was a doozy even for me! I'm sure most of you are watching and listening to the Esferic Games right now, but if you're not, then maybe get out from under your rock and smell the sportsballs or something? I'm told that's what the kids are saying these days, but the glare from my child as I write this does not bode well. Anywho, on to today's topic:
Hva i allverden is going on with taekwondo!?
If you were paying attention to the taekwondo events the last few days, you probably encountered the word "repechage". At least three of my friends have asked me about it in the last two days, and I probably tuned out even more. So what is repechage? Well, according to UiK Ordboken, it is:
repechage (plural repechages)
 (sports) A heat (as in rowing or fencing) in which the best competitors who have lost in a previous round compete for a place or places yet left in the next round. That helps a little bit! So repechage takes some of the losers in a tournament and lets them compete after they get kicked out, kind of like a consolation bracket? Well, no, not exactly. You see, repechage is specifically designed to combat the "what if" of two very good competitors meeting early in the tournament, which would normally knock one of the best out of any running. Repechage specifically takes those who lost to the ultimate winners and allows them to compete for positions lower down, usually 3rd place.
In Esferic taekwondo, a repechage bracket is used for this purpose—after the semifinal, the competitors who lost to the two athletes in the final—the ultimate gold and silver medalists—get put into two brackets, one for each half of the original tournament. The competitors then compete for two bronze medals—one for each bracket. Our lovely designer, Ask, put together this illustration of the Esferic taekwondo tournament for you, with those going to repechage marked with a red dot:
[click here to view a larger version!]

So what we've got is Karabo Botha and Naho Sotirova making it to the final. Those who lost to Botha were, in order, Jerry Miko, Elisabet Bernat, and Vekar Grikis. They all went into one repechage bracket. Those who lost to Sotirova were Tinlar Ranbo, Amandita Gautchyn-Fernandes, and Takondwa Cardoso, who all went into the other. The first two who lost play a match against each other, then the winner of that match goes on to compete against the third person to lose, who made it to the semifinal. The two people from each repechage bracket who win that final match are each awarded a bronze medal. Surprising, I know, but this is one of the very few sports that awards more than the standard three gold, silver, bronze.
Now, any questions? If there are please return to the top and read everything again! Once you've gotten a good grasp on it, there are a few other sports that will include repechage coming up, like cycling, judo, rowing, and others, so there'll be plenty of opportunity to test your chops. Until next time, ha det bra!

Benavedia, Spandorto, Giovanniland—18:00 PM International Atomic Time, 26th October 1421
"This was a tiring day of school," thought 12-year-old Aulo, as he left the Benavedia Middle School and started to search for his mother Barbara that would take him home.
At that time of the day, his father Lorentio would still be working in Tommasia, the capital of Spandorto Region, a fair distance from their hometown. It wasn't an easy life for his family, living in a poor suburb of Benavedia, a town of around 10,000 in a sparsely populated part of Giovaura.
After some time, he managed to find his mother, waiting for him in an old-looking car. "So, how was school?" asked Barbara.
"It wasn't bad, as always I struggle in the math class, but having sports class at the end of the day was nice", her son replied.
"I do think," the mother thought, "that you could be a nice athlete in the future if you continue being dedicated as you are." She added, "just like those we're seeing in the Esferiad."
"That would be so cool..." he replied, as he and his mother passed through the streets of Benavedia and got closer to their home.
His thought went deep into this idea of becoming a future Esferiad athlete, and time flied. Soon they had arrived. "Dad isn't here yet," Aulo said as they arrived.
"Indeed, he's probably driving from Tommasia to here," his mother answered. "Let's turn on the TV," she offered—their TV was one of the few modern things at home, and of course it wasn't of good quality and had few available channels, but the ones broadcasting Esferiad events were available.
He grabbed the remote control and turned on. The screen was displaying the 1500 m Freestyle Swim athletes as the first semifinal started. "Now, Giovannilandian athlete Zutrina Frateriana will prepare to swim!", said narrator Urbano Sallotio from Quorivo.
"and Zutrina has started! She's now third, but the top 3 are all close! Go, Zutrina, go!", the narrator continued. The competition proceeded, while mother and son watched. "Zutrina has now taken the second place with just three minutes to go! Will she be able to take the first one as well?", said the narrator.
Barbara thought, "it's better for her to not spend all the energy so she has some for the final". It seems the mother was right, as Zutrina slowed down but still maintained some advantage ahead of third place. "And Zutrina is second! Fourteen minutes and 42.55 seconds, she is now qualified for the final!", the narrator Urbano said with joy.
Aulo wanted to see the other semifinal in which Andreana Viriato would be seen, but his mother suggested him to take a quick shower so as to get that done and not miss the final. "Okay then," he reluctantly replied.
Twenty minutes later he was back from the shower, while Andreana had already qualified for the final as well. In Quorivo, hundreds of kilometers to the north, both Zutrina and Andreana were preparing for their possible medals.
"And now, the final is about to start! Will Giovanniland earn a medal?", the narrator asked to themselves, "that's what we'll see now!" A quick pause, and the final match started. "Zutrina gets ahead of everyone else by performing a nice jump into the pool—but oh no, what's that? Andreana has just fallen in an odd way and is now in last place! Oh no..."
Five minutes later. "And Zutrina has lost first place, but it's not the end yet! Andreana seems to have recovered and is now in fifth place!", Urbano told to the spectators all around Giovanniland. Another five minutes passed, and Zutrina was still in second, but Andreana was now in fourth.
The competition was down to the final meters, with Aulo and Barbara nervously looking at the screen. "Hey, a silver medal isn't that bad!", she thought. But deep down, everyone wanted Giovanniland to get its first gold medal. Soon, Urbano the narrator said: "Andreana has just taken third place, we've got two Giovannilandians in the top 3 now!"
"We approach the end of the competition, Zutrina is neck and neck with the first place while Andreana has taken third!" A few seconds later... "and Zutrina has taken first place again!!!... three, two, one, SHE'S THE WINNER!" One second later, Kaetana Makado from Blue Bubble had also arrived and so did Andreana, completing the podium. "Two medals in one event, Giovanniland now has three medals! Woohoo!" the narrator said.
Aulo and Barbara cheered, and watched the medal ceremony of that event with happiness. It was soon dinner time, and Aulo wanted to watch more of the Esferiad, but his mother called him. His father Lorentio arrived, and he was told the news, all the family celebrating despite their tough routine—among all hard things life has to offer, it was nice to have some comfort.
Soon, three hours had passed since Aulo' classes and the clock reached 21:00 PM. "Bed time, my dear Aulo," his mother said. He obeyed her, going to his bedroom and grabbing his pajamas to sleep. Laying in bed, his thoughts were still in the nice event of the Esferiad that they had watched earlier, reinforcing his future idea of becoming an athlete. "Only time will tell," he thought as he quickly went asleep.