Anthem

BLAKE WILLIAMS is a brash short track speedskater trained at the United States Olympic Education Center (USOEC), based on the campus of Northern Michigan University.

Blake’s drive to win the American Cup overpowers his better judgment and he lets his temper get the best of him. The officials disqualify him after a race and the title is handed to his nemesis, STEVE FALCON. In his fury, Blake pushes Steve on the ice as he makes his victory lap. Afterward, Steve finds delight that he took the title and got Blake suspended in the process.

Six months into an indefinite suspension, Blake faces the challenge of how to get U.S. Speedskating, the Olympic Committee, and the USOEC to find an agreement so he can return to competition. Blake reluctantly agrees to train ERIC STOUT, a high-functioning autistic struggling to get into the short track program, as condition to get all parties to agree to let him compete again.

Eric is a high school senior who suffers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He struggles with daily routines such as how to start a conversation, look people in the eye, English homework, relationships, and has a nervous fidget campaign with his fingernails and small objects.

Steve sees Eric as not worthy to be in the USOEC since he's different and was an inline skater. He teases Eric’s short track abilities and taunts his coach, Blake, with challenges as to who’s the better speed skater. Blake grows in frustration with Eric's slow progress and sees him as an obstacle to get back into competition.

After Blake realizes the Olympic Committee won’t accept his training of Eric as condition to let him back into competition, he chooses to give everything he knows to Eric in a selfless act so he could not only qualify for the USOEC, but win an upcoming American Cup circuit race.