Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow
Wanjiru had always dreamed of running in the big district race. Every evening after school, she laced up her worn shoes and jogged along the dusty road near her village. Her legs grew stronger and her breathing grew steadier with each passing week. Her father, who once ran races himself, woke up early to time her with his old wristwatch and cheer her on.
On the day of the race, Wanjiru felt nervous as she stood at the starting line. Around her were many other runners, some taller and some wearing brand new shoes. She remembered her father's advice: run your own race and never give up. When the whistle blew, she pushed forward, her heart pounding like a drum inside her chest.
Halfway through the race, Wanjiru's legs began to ache and her chest burned. A few runners moved ahead of her, and for a moment she wanted to stop. Then she thought of all the mornings she had trained and the faith her father had shown in her. She lifted her chin, swung her arms harder, and slowly began to catch up with the leaders.
Wanjiru did not win first place, but she finished a proud third. The crowd clapped loudly as she crossed the line, exhausted but smiling widely. Her father lifted her into the air, telling everyone that she had run with the heart of a true champion. Wanjiru realised that the real victory was in never giving up, no matter how difficult the road became.