Personal Best

Christine 'Chris' Cahill competes in the Olympic Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Despite her determination, she faces disappointment in the hurdles event, which deeply affects her emotionally.

On the same day, Tory Skinner successfully secures second place in the pentathlon, earning a coveted position on the Olympic team. This achievement sets the stage for a transformative evening ahead.

Following the trials, Tory enjoys a celebratory dinner with friends, including Roscoe Travis. Meanwhile, Chris, feeling disheartened, decides to walk home instead of joining the festivities.

During her walk home, Chris experiences a fainting spell in the restroom. This alarming incident brings Tory and Roscoe to her side, highlighting the unexpected bond forming between Chris and Tory.

Tory offers Chris a ride home, where they share a heartfelt conversation. Chris emotionally congratulates Tory for her success, deepening their connection amidst Chris's personal struggles.

Instead of heading directly home, Chris and Tory end up in Tory's room, where they engage in a vulnerable moment. This intimate encounter leads to them sharing marijuana, an arm-wrestling match, and ultimately, they make love.

A few days later, Chris accompanies Tory to San Luis Obispo, California, where Tory attends California Polytechnic State University. Here, they begin training together, and Tory encourages Chris to work with her coach, Terry Tingloff.

Upon returning home, Chris seeks her father's permission to study in California. Although she admits to lacking a scholarship, her determination leads her back to San Luis Obispo, where she begins training with the team.

After two months of persistent training, Tory convinces Tingloff to let Chris compete during practice. While she initially struggles with a fall, Chris perseveres and finishes in third place, showcasing her potential.

As Chris and Tory prepare for the World Student Games in Cali, Colombia, Chris suffers from food poisoning due to local fruit. Despite the setback and with Tory's support, Chris excels in her hurdles competition.

After the hurdles event, Chris and Tory attend a party where Chris's flirtation with a male athlete causes jealousy for Tory. This moment highlights the complexities of their relationship amid their athletic pursuits.

Upon returning to San Luis Obispo, Tingloff offers Chris a full tuition scholarship contingent on her training for the pentathlon. This opportunity sparks excitement but also concern about competing against Tory.

During practice, Chris injures her knee after following Tory's advice on high jump. Tingloff, frustrated and believing Tory is a distraction, creates tension between the two friends, further complicating their relationship.

As Chris focuses on recovery through swimming, she meets Denny Stites, a water polo player with an Olympic past. Their growing relationship adds complexity to Chris's emotional turmoil regarding her loyalties.

Back at Hayward Field for the Olympic Trials, Chris and Tory engage in a fierce showdown. In a suspenseful finish, both secure spots on the U.S. Olympic team, with Chris embracing Tory in a moment of shared triumph.