One close race

It started like almost any other day and aspirations were high. Great anticipation awaited our arrival that night. A good sized crowd had braved the weather to come to the event.

The night started out well and I was ready for the competition. I jumped out to an early lead thanks to a few unpredictable successes. I was elated with my early momentum. My odds of winning 2 years in a row looked good.

At the midway point, I found myself with a commanding lead and seemed to have the event wrapped up. Only 3 miscues had some onlookers already presenting me the trophy. I didn’t want to celebrate my success too early like George W. Bush on an aircraft carrier. However, the night had only begun and the trophy presentation would have to wait. Perhaps I had peaked too early.

Even after a set back or two, it looked as if my victory was still secure. Then an unfortunate slide made the race close, too close to call. The feeling was reminiscent or election night 2000.

It started like any other slump with one or two near misses. The slide started gradual then picked up steam heading into the critical sequence of the event. One ferocious competitor emerged from the pack. He was relentless in his pursuit. He chipped away at the lead like Tiger Woods on the back nine at Augusta.

Finally, the slide was halted but the tide had turned and the damage had been done. I now found myself in second place with few chances left to regain the lead. Luckily, I had the great fortune of holding the tie-breaker in this ever so close match-up. This eased my nerves for the moment. Unfortunately, it would not come down to that.

After calculating every possible outcome, it was determined that the winner would not have to wait until the end of the night. The competitor had matched me verbatim for the remainder of the night save one event. I found myself 1 point down and needing a victory to force a tie and push this epic battle to the tie-breaker which I held.

It had come down to this, one category, one possibility for redemption for a night that seemed in hand and had gradually slipped away.

Our fates rested with Best Documentary Feature.

The leader went with the Iraq War theme picking No End in Sight. I selected an unpopular choice, snubbing the Iraq War and Michael Moore. My fate rested with War/Dance. The room quieted and you could hear a pin drop. Slowly the envelope was opened and the winner was…..Taxi to the Dark Side! A roar came from the crowd on television and in the living room. We both lost, but in actuality, I lost.

It was over. The collapse was complete. I folded like the New York Mets in September. I could only look on in amazement as the trophy and winnings were awarded to my fierce competitor. We both won out the remaining categories but it didn’t matter, the event had been decided. I graciously congratulated my opponent for I had been beaten. It was a display of meticulous planning and consistent choices, one of which the world may never see again.

My hopes had been dashed by the Bourne Ultimatum and their victories in the technical awards. Most years, 14 wins would carry the day but this year it was not to be. I will return next year, determined to avenge my historic collapse.