Excellent story, although a piece is missing what you have told until the second part is incredible, there may be many people here who go through a similar situation and with your history motivate, although that has to come from oneself, but a certain push is not the rest. You were very constant and persevering and that helped you a lot, that time was not in your favor the first day was not an obstacle for you and what you say you are right "you can not go from zero to hero the first day" is very difficult, there always has to be a continuous improvement and shows of it the day of the competition you gave the best. I congratulate you, I hope for part 3.