To invigorate Grade 8’s athletic atmosphere and strengthen class cohesion, a lively "Three-Legged Race" exclusively for eighth graders was recently held on the track field (beside Hsi Building). Under the midday sun, Grade 8 participants paired up, tied their legs together, and moved forward side by side, with chants and laughter echoing across the field. The event was conducted efficiently within a limited timeframe—compact yet energetic—adding a vibrant touch to Grade 8’s campus life.  

It is worth noting that this activity, from planning to execution, was independently organized by the Grade 8 ASB students. From scheduling matches to on-site coordination, it showcased the remarkable organizational skills and sense of responsibility of these student leaders. Each attempt and adjustment was not just about reaching the finish line faster, but also about learning the art of balance, trust, and moving forward together.

Meticulous Rules Prioritize Both Fairness and Safety

Before the race began, the referee teacher gathered the attentive eighth-grade participants and clearly explained each rule, ensuring that the seeds of fairness took root in every student’s mind. The key to victory in this competition was speed, yet the rules were designed with both rigor and care for the participants: the two teammates’ ankles were tied together with colorful straps, transforming them into a true “three-legged” unit; in case of a false start or a loosened strap, teams were granted one valuable chance to rerun, allowing those who made nervous mistakes to regroup and try again; if they accidentally fell, as long as the strap remained fastened, they had to support each other and stand up together before continuing; throughout the race, both feet had to remain on the ground, strictly prohibiting any “piggyback” or dragging tactics to cut corners. These detailed regulations were not meant to restrict movement but to draw a clear starting line of fairness and secure a warm safety line for this vibrant youth competition.

Stride and Heartbeat in Sync: Uniting Strength Through Cooperation

As the starting whistle blew, the side-by-side participants embarked on a journey demanding intense coordination. Within the limited distance, they must maintain a constant speed and also coordinate their steps and breathing with each other: every lift-off of the foot and every landing depends on instantaneous communication and mutual understanding.

On the track, familiar scenes unfolded: one pair wobbled slightly after losing rhythm, almost simultaneously tightening their linked arms to quickly regain balance and find their pace again within a few steps; another maintained steady cadence from start to finish, their chants of "one, two, one, two" perfectly synchronized with their steps, moving as one.

Any minor misstep was amplified by the tightly fastened straps, forcing partners to coordinate and correct instantly while in motion. On the trackside, students from different classes spontaneously formed a cheering team. They kept shouting encouragement, making loud cheers and laughing happily. The atmosphere was both intensely exciting and orderly, showcasing the eighth graders’ exemplary spectating etiquette and strong class unity.

As a traditional event centered on collaboration, the three-legged race transforms the abstract concept of teamwork into a tangible physical experience. On this short track, the students experienced firsthand how to integrate their own pace into the collective rhythm, how to strive for the best outcome within the rules, and how to assume their own responsibilities for the common goal. Each attempt and adjustment was not only about reaching the finish line faster but also about mastering the art of balance, trust, and mutual progress.

Spectacular Results Unveiled: Team Glory Nurtured by Sweat

After several days of intense competition, the winners have been determined. Through cooperation, steady performance, and tenacious effort, the participants have earned honors for themselves and their classes. The detailed results are as follows:

Boys' Division  

Champions: 8-3 Souta, Peter  

Runners-up: 8-3 Shuohan, Felix  

Third Place: 8-5 Lucas, Arthur  

Girls' Division  

Champions: 8-2 Chris, Vivian  

Runners-up (tie): 8-4 Eden, Sophia Liang; 8-6 Yifei, Michelle Mi  

Each pair that stepped onto the podium not only bound their steps together with straps but also taught a vivid lesson in collaboration through trust. These achievements recognize not only speed but also serve as the best testament to team spirit and coordination. Congratulations to all the winners, and tribute to every student who sweat and collaborated wholeheartedly on the field—in this competition themed on unity, you are all winners.

As the final participants crossed the finish line, this edition of the eighth-grade three-legged race concluded amidst applause and laughter. By ensuring safety and order, the event successfully created a dynamic platform for showcasing teamwork and honing collaboration. It was more than just a race; it was a hands-on lesson infused with sweat and joy, injecting vibrant energy and profound educational value into the grade's sports and cultural life.

(Written by Pan Liwen
Pictures by Grade 8 Teachers
Reviewed by Ms. Shen Ying, Shiyu Wu)