Mike licked the last of the mint chocolate chip ice cream.It was almost time to leave.He jumped into the car with his parents and headed off to the Olympic­sized pool for the big swim meet.

When his race came up, Mike was confident.He was strong and swift.Mike climbed out the pool, smiling.He had just won first place, making him the fastest boy in his age group.

“Congratulations, son”£¬ his father said.His mom gave him a hug, even though he was soaking wet.

A week later, it was time for another swim meet.Like before, Mike decided to enjoy his favorite ice cream flavor.Mike remembered that the last time he had won a race, he also ate mint chocolate chip ice cream first.Maybe he'd win again.

He took first place again in his race.Mike was feeling pretty good.As it turned out, Mike decided to have mint chocolate chip ice cream before every one of the next few swim meets.He began to think of it as his lucky charm.After several mouths of placing in the top positions of every race he swam, Mike was feeling unbeatable.And he wouldn't admit it, but all that ice cream was adding a few pounds to his athletic swimmer's build.