The writer uses foreshadowing to create tension in the story. He proceeds to describe how the pain in Malik’s ankle is becoming progressively critical. When the writer reveals Malik’s thoughts the reader immediately understands that Malik is becoming sceptical of winning, making the reader anxious. Furthermore, the writer uses a simile to describe the pain in great detail - “his ankle could snap like an old tree branch”. This simile suggests how fragile his ankle and in pain his ankle is. The readers now have a better picture of Malik’s situation which makes them question whether he will win. However, the writer promptly changes the set of circumstances to Malik not swimming at all. This shocks the readers and makes them concerned of whether or not Sean will win at all. The ending relieves the tension and the readers.
Hope this is okay! Good luck! :)
