24 Teamwork

Teamwork written by Pam Holden illustrated by Michael Cashmore-Hingley

Joe felt sure that he could be the winner of the big cross-country race. Every year he raced. He had run and won plenty of times before. "I know I can go fast," said Joe. "I'm feeling very strong and fit today," he told his friend Tom. "I feel sure that I can run quicker than all the other people." "I've done it before, and I'll do it again." said Joe. Tom liked running a lot. Even though he was strong and fit, he knew that he wasn't as quick as Joe. Tom didn't win when Joe was in the race. "Good luck!" said Tom. "Good luck to you too!" laughed Joe, "See you at the finish line."

The race started and Joe took off like a rocket. He was running as quickly as he could. Joe was feeling very strong and fit. Tom was in a hurry and he started fast. Tom tried to keep up with Joe. Tom wanted to be the first to cross the finish line and win the race! Soon Joe was far out in front all alone. Held left all of the other people far behind him. Nobody ran as fast as Joe.

Joe ran as fast as he could up the long climb, to the top of the big hill. When he reached the top of the hill, he looked back behind him. He could see the other runners only just starting the long climb to the top. Joe was still alone far out in front, he was winning. Nobody ran as fast as Joe.

Out in front all alone, Joe was running strongly. "I know I can do it," thought Joe. "I can win this cross-country race." Joe looked back behind him, to see where the other runners were, and just then, he fell over a branch on the grass. Crash! "Oh no! Ow!" cried Joe.

Joe sat sadly on the grass, holding his sore leg. One-by-one, his friends ran past him. "Come on Joe!" each runner said as they ran by. "Hurry up. You can do it," they all shouted.