The Bronze

Hope Ann Greggory participates in the Rome Summer Olympics, showcasing her talent as a gymnast. Despite suffering an injury that ruptures her Achilles heel, she manages to complete her routine and wins a bronze medal, which becomes a significant part of her identity.

Returning home, Hope enjoys celebrity status in her small town, Amherst, Ohio. The local citizens regard her as a hometown hero, and her meals are often complimentary, highlighting her fame.

While at a local soda shop, Hope encounters Maggie Townsend, a young gymnast who idolizes her, and recognizes Ben, a childhood acquaintance she used to bully. The meeting showcases Hope's complicated past and her perceived superiority over those around her.

Hope's father, Stan, expresses his worries about her future, suggesting she could become a gymnastics coach. Despite her success as a celebrity, Hope dismisses his concerns, revealing a strained relationship and her refusal to accept personal responsibility.

Hope learns from her father that she has been left $500,000 in her coach's will, but must coach Maggie to the Olympics to claim it. The revelation comes as a shocking wake-up call, motivating her to take the coaching role seriously.

As Hope takes on the role of Maggie's coach, she adopts a rather unorthodox and reckless approach to training. Instead of professional guidance, she indulges Maggie by promoting unhealthy eating habits and distractions.

To prepare for a committee evaluation, Hope sabotages Maggie's routine further by mixing drugs into her smoothie. This reckless act raises questions about her suitability as a coach and her responsibilities towards Maggie's well-being.

Hope's relationship with her fellow coach, Lance Tucker, becomes strained. Their past intimacy complicates their competitive relationship, fueling Hope's insecurities about her own relevance and Maggie's future.

Ben confronts Hope after witnessing her betrayal, leading to a significant rift in their budding relationship. Hope's choices lead to feelings of isolation and regret as she reflects on the consequences of her actions.

As Maggie prepares for her big performance, Hope faces a moral dilemma about revealing her mother's presence. Ultimately, she chooses to lie to maintain Maggie's spirits, showcasing her complex feelings toward success and mentorship.

Maggie wins a gold medal, leading to her newfound fame, but simultaneously, it marks Hope's decline. The town's sign changes to reflect Maggie's achievement, and Hope faces the loss of her status and recognition.

At the local soda shop, Hope watches as Maggie's victory overshadows her own achievements. Overcome with emotions, she contemplates her failure to maintain her celebrity status amidst rising new talents.

Despite her setbacks, Hope finds a new purpose by continuing to train young gymnasts at her local studio. Her experience leads her to realize the importance of community over personal glory, though she struggles with her coaching abilities.

The town reverts the sign to honor just Hope, illustrating her transition from being a celebrated athlete to a humble coach. It symbolizes her acceptance of a new role, despite her ongoing struggles.

In a post-credits sequence, it's revealed that Maggie's Olympic journey did not lead to success as she faced challenges in her personal life, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and aspirations.