Traces of Time

1 of 5 pieces, cross stitch on linen
170 cm x 270 cm
2002/2003

Swimmer

Novel by Nils Viga Hausken

This friend of mine was, in the past, a champion swimmer. He had taken part in countless events and had won many medals. Once, he competed in a European Championship Race. It was a vital and definitive competition. During a period of a whole year he had trained intensively every day for at least three hours. His one goal, to shave seconds off his previously best time.

His preferred discipline was the two hundred-metre breaststroke. By the final stretch his body screamed in protestation at the excruciating pain, and for a brief moment, his concentration deserted him. In the squall of heaving water and spray he failed to notice another swimmer drawing steadily nearer. With his last ounce of strength he made a supreme push for the finishing line and grabbed the edge of the pool in the belief that it was he who was the victor. Alas, when he jubilantly looked to the score board for confirmation, all joy faded and died. He had been allotted second place. Robbed of victory by three hundredth part of a second.

In comparison, I have been told that if I were to place my hand on a glowing hot-plate, it would take the brain five or six times longer to register the pain and remove my hand from the heat.

Translated by Jane Power