Jimmy shook his head as he saw the kid walking up to the gym through the deep snow.

‘You didn’t have to come in today, kid. No one else did.’

‘Weather’s not gonna stop me.’ He walked off to get changed.

‘You know Rocky was made up, right?’ Jimmy called after him.

Jimmy had seen them all in his time, he had grown cynical. Boxing wasn’t a noble art anymore. Now it was entertainment. You didn’t earn your shot at glory, you bought it.

But this kid was special. He emerged and started on the speed ball.

Jimmy watched the hands dancing. His rheumy eyes shone.

j-hardy-boxing-gym
Copyright J Hardy Carroll

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

96 thoughts on “BELIEF”

  6. The thing about Rocky I most remember is the amazement as the camera tracks Rocky up the long, long staircase and then pans around him, no tracking rail in evidence. Most of the cinema aficionados I knew were mystified. HOW DID THEY DO THAT? Enter the steadicam.
    That said, I got a double DVD set of Rocky and Raging Bull. All I can say about that is watch Rocky first, because after watching Raging Bull it doesn’t hold up at all.

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  9. A realistic take on both the prompt and the sport. I hate boxing, and this week’s young victim of the sport has done nothing but strengthen my distaste for it. Good one, though.

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    1. Can’t say I enjoy it particularly either, especially these days when it resembles a game show rather than a sport. There are some inspirational stories to be found in the more innocent days though.

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  11. I really liked the fact that there was this little boy who dreamed a dream that was not ‘trendy’ and yet he was determined to make his unique dream come true. Lovely story, Iain!

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    1. I don’t know if I wholly agree. I think there was a time when it was about the sport rather than the entertainment – but you are right, it is all about big money now.

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  14. It’s a simple story and you tell it impeccably. The picture of the coach carries a deal of conviction. The boy’s dream drives him to persistent, sustained effort.
    But a dream that relies absolutely on your ability to hurt and injure others, and that rewards just a tiny handful of its participants, and where you are celebrated for your dominion over others? That’s not a dream I would ever want my children and grandchildren to have.

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    1. I agree, perhaps that’s why the old coach has become cynical, and yet he can’t let go of that belief that just once he will find the one who really appreciates and values that ability and nurtures his determination into something positive. I’m not saying I agree with him, but that’s his view.

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  16. Well done, Iain! I can’t understand the appeal of boxing. I only like it in movies (go figure).
    All pros are just waiting for *that* special one to walk in…

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  22. Oops! Sticky fingers hit the enter key too fast. (I am the Ali of the typing world. Not).
    What I was trying to say is that boxing is not just a brute sport that involves clobbering your opponent. The preparation that goes into making a good boxer is incredible. Don’t just expect to rock up and beat your opponent. There is skill and technique too. Good story about a dedicated kid.

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  33. Ahhh … this is a feel good story in so many ways. The trainer must feel proud to have such a dedicated boxing student. I guess there’s a hunger they feel. They must in order to put themselves in that kind of situation. My dad was a big boxing fan. I remember watching the fights and thinking, who wants to get hit like that? Great story, Lain.
    Thank you for adding a new word to my vocabulary – rheumy. Enjoy your weekend …
    Isadora 😎

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  34. You wouldn’t believe how many cobwebs, dustballs, and mites I had to wade through just to write this comment. Dedication and preserverance will always take you to the next level.

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  41. As a teacher myself, I find myself surrounded more and more by a generation of young people that don’t believe they have to work hard for anything. I don’t think the youtubers and reality T.V stars help as they make everything seem to come too easily. It’s like the young people just wait for something to happen, when we know the reality is, it probably won’t. But then you get those that know the worth of the hard work and relish in it, improving before your very eyes – and succeeding at the end of it. Those are the ones that make the slog worth it! Very well told as always, Iain 🙂

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