Alien Olympics

Were we created in their image, or did we create them in ours? In the Milky Way galaxy, there are an estimated three hundred billion stars. If we assume an average of two planets per star, then there are about six hundred billion planets in the Milky Way. There is a strong probability that many of those planets are similar to Earth, and it is also highly possible that some of them may host very advanced, human-like civilizations. That is where I come from—Diyamin, a breathtaking planet bathed in twin moonlight, drifting like a jewel in the spiral arms of the Milky Way. To me, Earth is an alien world. My name is Kickki. I am a prodigy on my distant home planet, where intellect and speed determine one’s place in society. Despite my genius and extraordinary abilities, I carry a painful flaw: I have never won the fiercely competitive sprint races that define my world. Each loss chips away at my confidence, leaving me desperate to prove that I am more than a mind without victory. Determined to succeed, I, along with my three uniquely talented friends—Vee, Kamak, and Akoop—journey to Earth. To blend in, I adopt the identity of a teenage athlete from Andorra, a small nation often overlooked on the global stage. My flawless disguise lets me navigate human society while secretly training for the 100-meter Olympic sprint—my ultimate test. After tireless effort, I shatter Earth’s 100-meter world record— my speed almost otherworldly—only to be disqualified for a lane violation. Confronting the crushing weight of public failure, I must re-evaluate my ideas of success. A journey to Sri Lanka offers unexpected solace. There, a night of tenderness and romance opens my eyes to the messy, fragile beauty of human connection. I realize that true fulfillment may lie not in medals, but in friendship, love, and belonging.