Wingless (2024)

[bunniefuu]

Based on a true story

Here is a famous quote

by Carl Jung:

"One can stand

the most incredible hardships

"when he is convinced that

they make sense;

"he is crushed when

on top of all his misfortunes,

"he has to admit that

"he is taking part

in a tale told by an idiot."

Jung also introduced

the following terms in psychology:

anima, the unconscious

feminine side of a man,

and animus, the unconscious

masculine side of a woman.

-Hi.

-Hello.

-I need "Foundations of Private Law".

-One moment, please.

There you go.

-Here you are.

-Thanks.

Hey! You left your change.

I am sorry, I...

It's okay. I work at a bakery shop.

People leave all kinds of things.

NAUM SHOPOV

LEART DOKLE

IVAN IVANOV

STEPHANY OBADIARU

PARASKEVA DJUKELOVA

BASHAR RAHAL

director of photography

SIMEON KERMEKCHIEV

editor

LYUBOMIR ILIEV

VFX supervisor

RADOSLAV UKALSKI

music

IVAN TISHEV

costume designer

NELI STOEVA

production designer

ELI NAYDENOVA

line producer

RALITSA OGNYANOVA

produced by

BASHAR RAHAL

story by

BASHAR RAHAL

written and directed by

NIKI ILIEV

Excuse me.

-I haven't finished yet.

-Sorry, I thought...

It's okay.

Aren't you a sprinter?

I am, but seeing you jump,

I wanted to try it.

-So this was your first try at it?

-Yes. I haven't done it before.

I am looking for a coach

if you would care to...

That's great.

Good luck with finding one.

But if I were you

I wouldn't waste my time with sprint.

Misho!

Misho?

Misho, what's the matter?

Where are you off to, bro?

Krassy is looking for us again.

So? Shall we call him over?

Dude, I'm not up to this.

-Shall we bike to Chernelka?

-Okay.

Let's go.

-Dessy.

-I can see myself.

We will talk to Maya

and you go talk to her.

Are you crazy? Not now.

-What am I to say to Maya?

-You're both so lame.

-Did you hear Eminem's new piece?

-No, I haven't.

-Hi, Misho.

-What's up, Dessy?

Nothing. Maya and I

just went for a walk.

What about you?

Nothing. The boys and I

shot some hoops.

Okay then.

Okay.

Yeah.

-Bye.

-Bye.

Maya, let's go.

We'll be off.

-I can't believe it.

-Shut up.

What could I do?

It was not the time.

If you're waiting

for the right time...

Get your bikes.

See you in a few minutes.

I can't prescribe anything for the rash

without seeing you.

Krassy has no friends.

He knows that you are avoiding him.

You can't force us

into becoming friends.

His sister helps him all the time.

Just go and talk to him.

-But why me?

-Who else?

What's going on?

-He is hiding from Krassy.

-Who?

The blind boy.

-'Visually impaired'.

-Okay, fine.

What are you doing?

-The boys are waiting for me.

-What, now?

-It is going to rain.

-I'll be back for dinner.

No. There might be a storm.

Stop it. If it rains,

he'll be back on his bike.

Misho...

Look...

Everything you do

impacts those around you, too.

It matters if you lead

by good or bad example.

It's better to lead

by good example, right?

Go and be careful.

So if I hang out with Krassy

you guys will follow my example.

You wish.

-I feel a little bad about him.

-You don't say.

I feel bad, too. But if we start

taking him with us, we'll look like...

It's stupid to stay away from the block

just because of Krassy.

That's true.

-Come on. Let's get going.

-Wait!

The last to reach the main switch board

will spend tomorrow with Krassy.

C'mon, step on it!

Keep it right!

Slavi, it seems

you are with Krassy tomorrow!

It's very slippery,

you want me to fall over?

Slavi, you're way behind!

Misho, it's steep!

-Misho!

-Misho!

Misho!

WINGLESS

Hello.

You are the parents, right?

There's no easy way to say this...

We have to amputate both his hands.

-What?

-I am sorry.

After the electric shock,

they can't be saved.

At least you could try

some kind of surgery.

If we do not amputate them soon

the boy will die.

Can't you sew mine on him?

-I am sorry.

-We are the same blood type.

I am sorry.

You are the one who let him go.

They said that it was going to rain.

-May I have some water, please?

-No. You may be having another surgery.

Where is my mom?

She's talking to the doctor,

will be here soon.

-Call her, please. Please!

-Just stay calm.

-I want my mom!

-Don't move, you may harm yourself.

-Call her, please!

-Dr. Manova!

His stitches have opened,

we need to sedate him.

My mother! Where is she?

Where is my mother?

-It's okay. I am here.

-Calm down, my dear boy.

-Misho, Misho...

-Everything is fine.

Are you here for Dr. Vassilev, too?

No, I am here for...

I am here for...

for Doctor...

I'm sorry.

It's fine.

Why'd you get so embarrassed?

Because of my speech.

I don't want it to show.

-So what if it does?

-You have no idea how it feels!

You are right. But I know that

nobody has the right to judge you.

You don't understand.

I want to be an actress.

This shouldn't stop you.

What about you?

What do you do?

-I'm still studying.

-And after that?

After that... I'll be a lawyer.

-A lawyer?

-Well...

Misho.

-Let me help you.

-I can do it.

Let me do it.

It's funny how I can still feel

my hands and fingers.

It's because

the nerves are still there.

When you get a new prosthesis

you'll be able to move your

right hand's fingers.

But not on your left hand...

There you go.

Are you sure you can do this?

I am.

If it gets too much for you,

just come home. Okay?

Bye.

Bye, Misho.

Thank you, Dr. Vassilev!

How are you?

The prosthesis still hurts me

while I work out.

You need to apply this ointment

for one more week at least.

Is there someone to help you?

Do you know her?

Who, Stella?

No, I just found the poster

signed to my name.

She is a patient of mine.

And she is an athlete?

Yes, she is a Paralympian.

A professional athlete?

She competes against

other disabled athletes.

I'll be waiting for your

theatre invitation.

How are you, bro?

I don't know.

Just ignore them.

Bro...

I don't know what to say.

Today we will study past simple tense.

Please write it down in your textbook.

Dad!

What's the matter? Are you hiding?

No, it's the doorbell. I couldn't...

Whatever.

I'll fix it.

Come on in.

Make sure not to overwater them.

Too much water is just as bad

as no water at all.

He only stays in his room

staring off into space.

How could this happen to my child?

Your child?

When you let him go out

that night...

...I felt like there was

a lump in my throat.

I wanted to call him on the phone,

I don't know why.

As if I had a feeling

something would happen.

While you were peacefully

having your dinner.

I am sorry.

The guy with the change.

And from the Philosophy class.

No. I've remembered you

with the first one.

-I am Misho.

-Irena.

-Can I get you anything before I close?

-Coffee, please.

Okay, here it comes.

-What can I get you?

-Two croissants, please.

Just a moment, please.

-How many sugars?

-Two, please.

-Are you going to Student Town?

-I am.

Could you wait for me

to close here?

-Sure.

-Okay.

Thank you. There are

all kinds of jerks at this hour.

So you needed a bodyguard?

-Of course. Don't get any ideas.

-Right.

I would carry

your bag for you but...

That was a nice try for a joke.

A nice try? It was my best joke.

-I'm not so sure.

-How come?

You could just say that

you can't lend me a hand.

-Sorry, that was a bit too harsh.

-No, I'm stealing this.

-Feel free to use it.

-Thank you.

-Where are you from?

-Pleven. And you?

I am from Tarnovo.

You don't look like

someone from Tarnovo.

And you look exactly like

someone from Pleven.

I want you to coach me

for a length jump.

It is called a long jump.

Sorry, a long jump.

Look, I appreciate it but...

I am not a coach. Sorry.

Hi, bro.

How are you?

May I join?

May I join?

Join us. We are short of a player.

-I'm sorry, bro. Let me help you.

-I can do it myself.

-That was a foul, right?

-Yes.

Take the prostheses off,

let me see your hands.

-I have no hands.

-You might have hurt them.

There are more surgeries to come.

I've had at least thirty.

If they are not giving me hands,

I'm not going.

It is too risky.

I forbid you to play.

Why did you decide

to play football today?

I got tired of just standing

and watching them.

I talked to Ivan.

He said

you threw yourself like crazy.

What did you expect to hear?

Misho, please,

tell me what happened.

I saw Slavi and Dessy...

I don't know.

I got mad.

Dessy from block 58?

You like her, don't you?

I think we should let him play.

Are you serious?

-He needs a reason to go out.

-Sure but...

It's just running.

He has no hands to keep balance.

We should not

treat him as a cr*pple.

But he is

and we should keep him safe.

But he needs motivation.

Did you even see his face?

He can't stay in his room

all the time.

Anger. Is that his motivation?

Misho?

What's going on?

Are you running away?

It is 10 PM.

Enough with this.

Go take a shower.

Your mother will help you.

Are you jumping again?

Wait.

There you go.

Wait.

Your last step is your attack.

You attack with it

and swing your other leg.

Attack and swing.

It is your strongest one,

propelling you forward at 45 degrees.

Okay?

And you are too tight.

You are stomping.

-I'm stomping?

-Yes.

Loosen up

and raise your knees high.

You are too tight.

Come on.

Go on.

So... How are you with music?

-Can you dance, do you feel the rhythm?

-What do you mean?

There is rhythm

in the approach run.

You need to follow it.

It starts slowly.

Then speeds up...

And the attack I told you about.

-Okay.

-Let me give you the rhythm.

-Are you serious?

-Yes. Come on.

It was better, wasn't it?

That was good.

It looks like the left prosthesis

is obstructing you.

It helps me balance.

How can I do without it?

It's up to you,

just an observation.

I'll do some more jumps.

Okay. I'll get going.

I'll be here tomorrow.

Now go and be careful.

What are you doing?

I'm looking for a screwdriver

to fix the doorbell for Misho.

Eyes forward,

keep the body straight.

It was better, wasn't it?

It was or maybe there was a tailwind.

Okay.

Raise your knees high.

Eyes forward, keep the body straight,

don't lean back.

Come on. Keep the tempo!

Was this a tailwind, too?

Ask them to change

the direction of the airflow.

You are ready,

there's nothing else that I could...

Listen...

Don't get too excited but...

There is a contest

for Paralympians next week.

One can qualify there

for international contests.

If you are up to, then I could...

What's the matter? I told you

not to get too excited. Jeez.

I am not your coach after all.

Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the terms

fixed and growth mindset.

Let me give you an example

so you could understand.

Two people are laying bricks

to build a big wall.

One of them thinks, "It is a waste

of time. It makes no sense at all."

And the other one thinks, "In 300

years, this will be a cathedral."

The same act,

two different mindsets.

How about a dinner?

You're asking directly so as not

to lose nerve amidst the conversation

Well... Yes.

Water?

-Thank God.

-What?

We walked in the shadows,

then you got me in.

I thought you were hiding me.

Really? I'm sorry.

It's because of the prostheses.

I just thought it was

because of my skin color.

What? Don't be stupid.

You are so beautiful.

Thank you.

Have you had any problems

because of your skin color?

How do you think?

My father is from Nigeria.

I don't remember him. He ran away fast.

I am Bulgarian but...

How shall I put it?

-You are not accepted as such.

-Exactly.

You can walk the streets for hours he

without seeing a single black person.

Yeah. And how do they react

when you speak to them in Bulgarian?

They are a bit startled at first.

It is positive on one hand,

and yet,

"Okay, but you are not one of us."

I am quite familiar with that

although in another aspect.

Yes. And here, 'n*gg*r'

is just a word as any other.

They say 'a cute n*gg*r'

as a compliment.

"Are you crazy?

I'll slap you in the face."

But they don't even get it.

Is there a problem?

Do you understand now

why I'm doing it?

No, I don't understand.

Well...

I would really want

to see you jump.

It will be a pleasure. When?

-Now, this is the plank.

-Right.

Run from where you are,

knees high up, broad strides,

gradually speeding up

until you jump off the plank.

-Understood?

-Yes.

And the arms? Is this okay?

Just lift your left arm.

-Like that? Okay.

-Yes.

-I'm ready. Off I go.

-Go on.

Wait, wait.

Broad strides

and knees high up, remember.

But you don't run wearing sandals.

I don't run wearing hands either.

Okay, you win.

Are you sure you want it?

Of course. You are there

to catch me, right?

Look, I can promise to stop you

but not catch you.

-Okay, let's try. Off I go.

-Come on.

-I'm ready.

-I'm here. Boldly go!

Come on, come on... And jump!

Very good! Are you okay?

Yes, just got a little... sprain.

Help me sit, please.

Hold onto me.

Careful with the pebbles.

I must say that I'm impressed.

What were you impressed about?

About the jump.

Just say it.

-Come on, I know you want to say it.

-Say what?

That I run like a black person.

You said that.

Are you sure?

Don't ask me such questions.

May I?

-Next athlete, Petar Todorov.

-It's the damned spikes.

It happens at high speed sometimes.

Which is good.

Now all you have to do is jump.

Let me see the other one.

Don't you have something

to flash them with?

You are fine.

These are battle wounds.

Or shall I call a doctor?

Don't.

Shouldn't they stop the contest?

These are just flesh wounds.

Those nails on their heels

are so dangerous.

It's for traction.

I'm sure his prostheses hurt him

when he falls.

Something's going on.

Let me see the spikes.

Come.

Let me see.

You are too stiff, you know?

You are stomping. Loosen up.

Do you hear me?

-I can hear you.

-And...

Focus on the jump, not the landing.

The flight. This is it.

Do you think I don't want to?

Next athlete, Mihail Hristov.

Misho.

Ask for a clap.

Like when we were practicing.

I'll keep the tempo. Just ask.

How do I...

Like this, with your right hand.

Come on.

Clap.

This is your tempo.

I'm not sure it's a good idea.

So what shall we tell him

after the contest?

Why should we tell him anything?

There's no prospect in that.

He hasn't said he's quitting law.

Misho.

This is your first contest.

There are no expectations.

Just jump.

So you have no expectations, too?

And those were 20 cm more.

-And now Dubai?

-My first international contest.

Reni, what's up?

-What's up, guys?

-What about you?

-You disappeared.

-No.

I just haven't been out for a while.

-You got a boyfriend and forgot us.

-I haven't.

-Let me introduce you.

-What's up? I am Deyan.

Misho.

-Dude, I didn't see that...

-It's okay.

-I really didn't mean to...

-No problem.

-See you.

-See you.

-The lecture will start.

-Stop. Nothing's happened.

-I'm sorry.

-Is the lecture important to you?

Hello? Mom?

Everything is fine.

It all went well.

I don't know if

it will be televised.

Mom, I'm hanging up

or the bill will be too big.

I'll text you. Bye.

So it's your first time in Dubai?

It's my first time abroad.

Don't tell me you haven't slept at all.

I can't believe that 40 years ago

it was just a desert here.

So you haven't slept

because of some view?

Look...

I know we talked about it but...

Think about taking off

your left prosthesis.

Don't start again.

Misho, nobody cares except you.

-It doesn't compromise my jump.

-I'm not sure.

Well, I am!

If you accept it, everyone will,

understand that.

Go! Come on.

-You are very stiff.

-Again?

-How much?

-A lot.

-How much?

-What's the matter?

-I don't know.

-Are you scared?

No. I'm not scared.

No, it's a good thing.

What do you mean?

If you were too confident

at such a big contest, I'd be worried.

Aren't you worried that I'd f*ck up?

No. You are nervous.

I know you'll do your best.

Stretch a little and get in the car.

I read somewhere that we have

to transform fear into excitement.

Get excited when you're in Dubai

on vacation.

It's an international contest.

You should be scared.

Go on. Stretch yourself.

Breathe. Step by step.

It's going to get easier.

It's a good thing.

Remember that.

Tonight...

Don't look at the audience,

only look at the plank.

Concentrate on it

and your path to it.

You know it but I'll say it again.

Each step

should be like of a robot.

Stepping on the right spot

and jumping right off the plank.

Do your steps as you should.

If we need to,

we'll adjust them later.

What's important is

that you do them right.

Come on.

Come on. That's it.

And...

Don't adjust to the plank

once you've started.

Do as we have practiced.

For everything else, I am here.

Come on, warm up.

Next competition long jump men T-47.

All the athletes must

head to the track.

Welcome to The Stadium Club

for People of Determination in Dubai.

As we move on to The Men's Long Jump,

T-47 category.

It is hot, it is humid,

but these athletes

are determent to give it their all.

First up we've got the Olympic champion,

Engin Ozer from Turkey.

And he has stellar jump

with a great kick in the air.

Looks like he well on its way

to six meters.

The other athletes are looking on

nervously as the judges measure here.

His personal best is six forty-eight.

Yes, six forty-two,

fantastic start to this competition.

Good luck, neighbor!

And it seems like Engin

has said something to Hristov.

The newcomer,

is he trying to intimidate him?

Looks like there is something

going on between those two...

And Hristov seems that spit

on the ground in front of Engin.

Not the way you wanna present yourself

at your first big tournament.

Hristov is trying to shake it off as he

comes at the first of his six attempts.

A bit of a slow start here.

He is running with two prosthetics.

And he's got a jump.

A bit stiff in the air.

His coach does not look pleased either.

Hristov is walking back

behind the judge's table.

Six thirty-one,

much better than it looked.

Not bad for a jump

from Hristov from Bulgaria.

And next up we've got Ross from Canada.

Who was absolutely brilliant in

The World Cup in Netherlands last year.

Where he managed to take the silver,

just a few centimeters behind

the champion, Ozer from Turkey.

Let's see if he could better his result.

Ross is looking calm,

he's got a good approach.

Nice jump, smooth through the air.

A white flag is up.

Oh, six twenty-five,

a little bit less than it looked.

Now Hristov is in second place.

Looks like we have

a tree way competition,

between Ross, Hristov

and Ozer from Turkey.

Next up we've got

Paolo Vetori from Italy.

European bronze medalist from 2012.

No hesitation. Good approach. Decent.

Is it enough though?

No. 6:22. Fourth place for Paolo.

And that's Khalid Al Fatui, UAE.

Comes up to the line,

you can hear the crowd going wild.

The energy is absolutely

though the roof.

Khalid is running with no prosthetics.

Fantastic attempt,

a little bit flat on the jump.

White flag coming up.

And, oh...six fifteen.

He will be disappointed with that.

But ladies and gentlemen, that will

conclude the first round of our jumps.

Stakes could not be higher here in Dubai.

Where the top tree competitors will move

to the competition in Sofia, Bulgaria,

as they fight for their ticket

to The 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Oh, six fifty one!

Engin has bettered

his own personal record.

And he has put himself in a

great position in this competition.

He has absolutely laid down

the gauntlet for the other competitors.

Let's if anybody else can step up and...

It seems like Engin has bumped

into Hristov of Bulgaria.

He does not look happy about that.

Let's see if he is going to react

like he did before.

Hristov seems to keep his cool

as he passes by Engin.

Hristov psyching himself up

at the start line.

Here he needs to keep his focus,

not let it get to him.

He's got focus.

He's coming down the track,

a bit of a slow start again.

I wonder if that prosthetic

is slowing him down at all.

A bit of stumble before the jump.

A white flag does come up though.

Hristov does not look satisfied

with himself.

Six twenty one.

He will it wanted to do better next time.

His coach is cheering him on,

trying to support him.

Engin is looking

like he has this in the bag.

Unless somebody can step up

and make a huge jump.

Would it Ross? Cause Hristov needs

to get himself up back in this math.

And it seems like Ozer is signaling

to pass on his third attempt.

He is giving a look down to Hristov, as

if he is saying to him: try and catch me.

This is Hristov's last attempt.

He is in fourth place.

Not bad for a first big competition,

but he does not look like he would be

satisfied with a fourth place finish.

He's psyching himself up.

He's getting focused.

Let's see what he can do.

Oh, a huge jump from Hristov!

Absolutely fantastic!

I think that could be enough...

it must be very close to Ozer's.

And it could be enough to put him

in the first place.

Absolutely fantastic!

They are coming up to measure now.

6:58! European Record.

He is in first place!

He is doing a lot of things wrong today,

but how could you be wrong

when you jump that far!

I don't know if it's just

the temperature here in Dubai,

but this competition is heating up.

These athletes are absolutely flying!

We've got Ozer up for his last attempt.

Trying to take back first place

from the underdog Hristov.

And he is up.

What will his answer be?

Unbelievable! Engin Ozer takes

the first place with 6:71.

Hristov who jumped 6:58

is absolutely devastated.

That's a heavy blow to him, but we have

seen Ozer show his Olympic prowess,

as he has taken back the lead

in this incredible competition.

Now this is Ross's last chance.

He has jumped 6:42.

He is in third place.

Does he have what it takes?!

Oh, what a competition! 6:64.

Ross is taking the second place.

This was one of the best competitions

I've ever witnessed.

I have never seen anything like it.

The athletes are out

to congratulate each other.

-You did good.

-Thank you.

It is absolutely fantastic.

Engin Ozer has done it, he's got

the gold. That man has won everything.

Ross silver medal.

Hristov is in third place

with the bronze.

Though he will be going home with

a consolation prize of a European record.

Won't you call your parents?

It's just a bronze medal.

Are you crazy?

You've just broken

the European record.

Just today.

I broke the European record.

Is that a question?

-I broke the European record.

-I can't hear you.

-I broke the European record!

-Sorry, what?

-I broke the European record!

-You don't say!

I'm proud of you, boy!

-Where is it?

-I've got it.

I've been lacing your shoes all day,

don't fuss about a number.

Give them my best regards.

-Thanks, Pesho.

-Always.

Was it Misho?

And?

-Hey.

-Hey.

How are you?

How are you both?

She's been quiet today.

How did it go?

Quite well. Got a bronze medal.

Well done!

The boy has potential.

Or maybe he's got a good coach.

We'll see.

Take a look.

I have to go now.

-Are you working today?

-Well...

I've missed a few shifts,

I have to.

I'll call you later

to tell me what to get.

Rest.

Hi, I'm Maria.

I'll be interviewing you.

I am Mihail.

I see you've got

both your prostheses.

If it's just for the show, don't even

worry, you may lose one or both.

-Okay.

-See you in a bit.

Don't you think you should leave

only one prosthesis?

-Why?

-How come?

You'll be setting an example

for those in a similar state.

What kind of example?

No to be ashamed

and accept themselves as they are.

Follow me, please.

How do you tune in mentally

before and during a contest?

Well... I use my anger.

In what manner?

I channel the anger

I've accumulated

towards people who've treated me

as if I am half a person.

My rivals are there, too.

If anyone of them provokes me

I use that as fuel.

So there has been negative attitude

towards you because of your condition

Yes. It is either negative

or too positive.

Underestimating you?

Yes, that is a kind of insult, too.

But it makes me stronger.

And yet you have close ones

who love you.

Don't you think that this anger

could harm your relations?

Look. To me, it is important

that I keep winning.

They will understand.

May I have the check, please?

-Are we leaving already?

-We are.

-But why? It's too early.

-Because I said so.

-Get my phone out.

-Let's stay a little longer.

My phone's ringing.

It must be Pesho.

Just a moment, I can't hear you.

When? Tomorrow?

At what time?

All right.

Call me tomorrow, will you?

Okay, Pesho. Bye!

-Can't you see she's with me?

-Nothing's happened!

-What are you staring at?

-Let's go, please!

What do you think?

Good morning!

Haven't you given birth yet?

How are you?

Did you get some sleep?

Yes, I did.

Don't you have practice today?

Well...

I do, but I am not going.

Aren't you preparing him

for the World contest?

You know it might not be today,

don't you?

Don't worry about it. I'm here.

I am begging you. Please go.

I will call you if it starts.

-What's going on?

-Get ready.

-Why?

-I have practice at twelve.

Are you crazy?

Get ready, we are leaving!

Let's stay a bit longer.

Just lie to him.

Lie to him?

Why? So that I could watch you

hitting on guys before my eyes?

-Are you serious? Nothing happened!

-Just don't.

If you have amnesia look at your face

and you'll remember what happened.

I remember it well.

I saw it just like everyone else.

-There was nothing to see!

-Get up.

-I won't.

-Get up!

I'm not getting up!

Why do you think you can get away wit

anything just because people pity you

Do you pity me, too?

I am sorry.

I didn't mean it this way.

-Get away!

-You were a different person before.

I am sorry. Just give me a minute.

Come on, come on!

That was awful. A total disaster.

Once again,

wider strides at the start.

-Come on.

-I can't.

I beg your pardon?

-What can't you?

-I have no strength.

If your brain says

you have no strength,

you have at least

40 per cent strength left.

Come on. Get up!

Why are you doing this?

-Doing what?

-Do you pity me?

What are you talking about?

Why are you helping half a man

who will never be able to do

what the others can?

Excuse me, are you trying to

shirk responsibility

for coming to practice still drunk?

Is that what you're saying?

Did you think

I was not going to notice?

It shows.

Maybe you are

shirking responsibility.

Responsibility for what?

For becoming

the next mediocre athlete.

You ingrate!

I've been waiting here

for one hour!

I could be somewhere else now,

much more important!

But I am here for you!

-Okay? You know what your problem is?

-What?

Your hands are not the problem.

-So what is it?

-It is right here.

Damn it!

What's going on?

Get another coach

for the World contest.

Pesho!

Wait...

-I am sorry.

-Be careful, boy!

Hold on! Don't you have hands?

I don't...

What's the matter with you?

I didn't want to bother you both.

Bother me? I wish you did!

You are not answering my calls,

not calling back.

I don't like the way

you make me feel.

Me?

Yes, you. You obstruct

my practices, my contests.

Is that all you have to tell me?

-Yes.

-No, you don't.

And I can see it.

Look. I like attention.

Yes, I flirt, but that's it.

Maybe I'm compensating for something,

but that's who I am.

I have accepted that.

-When will you accept yourself?

-What exactly?

Your whole self.

The person you are now.

VASSILENA POPOVA:

I promised to invite you to my play.

Why do you say you'd kiss

the earth beneath my feet?

You should k*ll me!

He didn't believe in theatre.

He mocked my dreams and I stopped

believing, too. I got desperate.

Now I know.

I realize that in our line of work,

no matter if we play on stage

or write,

it is not fame or glamour

that matter most.

It is not what I used to dream of.

It is the skill to endure.

The ability to carry your cross

and believe.

I do believe.

I am sorry.

Come and watch me

when I become a great actress.

Do you promise to?

Hey!

Vassy.

-I wanted to thank you.

-I should thank you. You were great.

No. I am here because of you.

How come?

After what you told me at the hospital

I enrolled at this school.

-Vassy!

-Bye!

-I'll call you later.

-Bye!

-Daddy?

-Say bye to Daddy!

Bye, honey!

See you later.

Coach, I...

I am sorry.

You know I didn't mean that.

Don't speak.

Get ready and meet me inside.

Thank you, coach.

We'll see

if you'll be thanking me now.

What's her name?

Gabriella.

Come on!

NEXT COMPETITION LONG JUMP MEN

GROUP T-47

Ignore him.

He's just trying to get in your head.

Just let it go.

Breathe.

Is that all? You've said it before.

I told you most of it in Dubai,

won't be repeating myself.

As good as it gets, eh?

As good as it gets, only better.

I like the way

you are hyping me up.

Look...

You know what you're doing.

-Do I really?

-You do.

Okay.

And don't look at Ozer.

I had just forgotten about him.

And we are here live,

from the Stadium in Sofia, Bulgaria.

For the men's Long Jump, T-47 category

of The World Championship finals!

The athletes are out, getting wormed up.

The competition will begin shortly.

First up is the bronze medalist

from The Dubai Gran Prix Mihail Hristov

from Bulgaria.

He is at the start, getting this

competition gets under way!

Good jump! White flag.

Looks like he is under

the sixth meter mark.

He is not gonna be happy

with his performance.

His personal best is 6:58.

Let's see what he got on this one.

Yes. 5:95. Far from his personal best.

We'll see what he can do next time.

Next in line, we've got Michael

Bronson from the United States.

He is looking focused at the start line.

Nice approach. Good jump. White flag.

A litter over the sixth meter mark.

And they are out measuring.

There seems to be some deliberation

among the judges.

And, no, 6:12.

An underwhelming

performance from Bronson.

We've expected more from this athlete.

Next up we've got

Paolo Vetory from Italy.

Absolutely no hesitation from him.

Good approach.

And that is a nice jump.

The crowd is loving that.

Vetory is taking a bow

as he takes the lead. Coming in at 6:28.

But now let's see if Olivier Ross from

Canada can changes this stand ins?

He sets up.

He is coming down the track.

He's got a white flag.

That is not his best jump for sure.

He is coming in at 6:22

and he does takes second place.

And now we've got the champion from

the Dubai Gran Prix at the start line.

6:71 it's his personal best.

He is way out ahead of everyone else.

He comes in.

A bit of a slow start,

but a good kick in the air,

which gave him at least a few

centimeters more, for sure.

6;31. Ozer is not happy with the result,

but takes the first place anyway.

Alright! We back with the second round.

It's Hristov turn again.

He is at last place so far.

Can he change that?!

And no. He's got a run through,

with a red flag.

I'm not sure what happened exactly.

Maybe he didn't measure his steps.

In any case Hristov

will remain at fifth place.

Olivie Ross from Canada

takes the lead with a jump of 6.41.

Which brings him just ahead

of his biggest rival Engin Ozer.

Speaking of which. Ozer is at

the start for his second attempt.

Can he take back the lead from Ross.

Great jump and a very nice fall.

Yes. The winner of The Dubai Gran Prix

takes the first place again,

beating Ross's score with 6.52.

That was a quick turnaround.

Hristov is already waiting at the start.

Interesting face-off between those two.

Their feud began in Dubai.

And as we can now see

it's still going on.

Hristov now. Good approach.

He's got the jump. Good distance.

Oh, but it's a red flag! Hristov misses

the mark and that's a foul.

Second red flag in a row for him.

A very disappointing performance so far.

He is still in a last position!

Hristov is gonna want to do better

in his next jump.

What is going on?!

Hristov is removing his left prosthetic!

Is he quitting!?

Can he be disqualified for this?

The judges are discussing.

Technically he could still

compete like this, but...

Okay, he is picking it back up.

The other athletes are looking baffled.

Hristov is approaching the bench.

His coach doesn't seem to understand

what's going on either.

I have never seen anything

like this before.

What happened?

You have two more jumps left.

It's the prosthesis.

We all saw that.

Is he going to jump?

It's your turn.

And Engin Ozer takes the first place

with a phenomenal score of 6:82!

Topping his own

personal best once again.

Now it's Hristov's turn,

but he is still on the bench

with only one of his prosthetics.

It's your turn.

Will Hristov jump?

Last attempt.

He is talking with his coach.

Have you decided yet?

Let's see what's gonna happen.

Misho.

Take two steps back.

Well, apparently

he is going for his last attempt.

And Hristov is approaching.

Looks like he is gonna be jumping

with only one of his prosthetics.

I'm not sure either that will help him

or it's going to mess up his balance.

Guess we are about to find out.

We've got Hristov at the starting line.

He is taking two steps back.

I'm not sure why, maybe

because of the weight difference

or maybe because

his trainer told him to.

He looks like he is definitely feeling

the pressure of this moment.

Last chance!

It has to be 6:82 or better!

Hristov!

Going for the biggest jump

of his career.

Hristov!

Wow, that's big!

Definitely bigger that 6:82!

That man surely saved his best for last!

The Bulgarian has done it!

He's got the gold!

Third place, Olivie Ross, Canada.

Second place, Engin Ozer, Turkey.

First place, Mihail Hristov, Bulgaria!

Congratulations!

As good as it gets.

Only better.

Your mother texted you.

Well done!

MOM

We are proud with you! Well done!

Why didn't you call?

I wanted to surprise you.

You've taken the prosthesis off.

Yes, I did, a while ago.

-That's fantastic.

-Yes. It even helped me...

Don't say it as if it's nothing.

I tried to convince you.

-Sorry about that.

-It's okay.

-I'll be waiting outside.

-I'm coming.

-I am sorry about this.

-Don't be.

I should've called earlier.

What did you mean to tell me?

Just show you the empty sleeve.

I'm happy for you. I really am.

I wanted to thank you

for everything.

-Yes?

-I am here. Come down.

-I need to hold onto you.

-Let me go around you.

-Why?

-I told you the left prosthesis is of.

Why did you do that?

It was getting in my way.

I wore it only for the people.

Am I not 'people'?

It would've helped me.

Now...

You didn't think of the only person

who would need it.

Krassy, you know that a dog

could do what I'm doing now.

And would do it better for sure.

I will walk on by myself.

Okay.

Do you think it was meant to be?

What do you mean?

Everybody says it

when they realize I was given

the wrong medication at the hospital.

I'm sure they say it to you

for the hands.

"It was meant to be."

Do you agree about that?

No, I don't.

Come on.

A Labrador. Black and nice.

Would be guiding me,

not speaking.

No dark thoughts in its head.

Okay, it's up to us.

What?

It's up to us to make it

as if it was meant to be.

Come on.

Michail Hristov holds

3 world long jump titles

and 8 European record corrections.

Today, he is a motivational speaker and

makes prostheses under his own patent.

Peter Dachev is a

European long jump champion

and 4th in the Bulgarian rank

list for all times.

Today, he is still coaching Paralympians.

WINGLESS

Dreams have wings.

But people cut them themselves.