Maggie had expected there to be a crowd of hopefuls trying out for the international team - it would be a huge honour after all - but she had not anticipated quite so many people that really oughtn't be here. How old was he?? (There really was nothing sadder than a man who didn't know he was well past his prime!)

She deliberately didn't make eye-contact with her own coach. Desdemona wasn't exactly old but Maggie was reasonably confident she was faster than her mentor and wanted whatever happened to be as impersonal as possible. With that in mind she deliberately avoided pairing off with her - even if it might be to her advantage - and kicked off into the air.