*The scene: the Kiss’n’Cry room, just off the arena.
Big, sweaty naked man comes in, is given flowers and a hug from his coach. The tension in the air is thick. BSNM is looking pleased, yet anxious. They sit on the bench. BSNM hugs his good luck charm, his teddy bear from when he was a boy.*
Bill, Commentator: And now of course, the wait. It must be very stressful, after all that hard work, training and repetitions. I’ve always wondered what they’re thinking. Bob, when you were competing, what was going through your mind right now?
Bob, the Colour Commentator: Well Bill, of course there’s the anxiety, and the replaying it all in your mind. “Did I nail it? Was my dismount a bit sloppy?” and so on. But at the same time, if you’ve given it your all, a strange contentment comes over you with your exhaustion. It’s out of your hands, so to speak, and into someone else’s hands.
Bill, Commentator: Bob, did you worry a lot about the particular judges that you’ve drawn?
Bob, Colour Commentator: Of course, there’s always the subjective element - no matter how well you know your routine, it really depends on what the judges are looking for, what pleases them, what turns them off. All you can do is give it your best shot, and hope for the best.
Bill, Commentator: Well, here come marks for artistic impression. Looks like it’s mainly in the sixes and low sevens.
Bob, Colour Commentator: Remember, this competitor is better known for his technique rather than his artistic impression.
Bill, Commentator: And here comes the technique marks - wow, you’re right - much higher - all in the high sevens. And look - there’s an 8! perfect technique!
Bob, Colour Commentator: That’s the Wisconsin judge, Bill. He’s always been very impressed by this particular competitor’s technique.