Ep 18. Koyomi's Ordeals

Koyomi's Ordeals is the 18th episode of Azumanga Daioh season 1. The episode focuses on Koyomi Mizuhara, a smart and reserved student of Yukari's class who has been feeling down lately due to her lack of athletic ability.

The episode starts with the class participating in a sports day competition. Koyomi is the anchor of her relay team, but when her turn comes, she fails to catch the baton and falls on the track, costing her team the race. Despite her teammates' reassurances that it was just bad luck, Koyomi feels ashamed and decides to quit school sports altogether.

Back in the classroom, Koyomi is more subdued than usual, and her friends sense that something is bothering her. They try to cheer her up with their usual antics but it doesn't seem to work. Even Chiyo-chan, who usually adores Koyomi, seems to be keeping her distance.

Later that day, Koyomi runs into her former sports team members, who try to convince her to join their team again. They tell her that they need her help to win the upcoming sports meet, but Koyomi is hesitant. She tells them that she doesn't want to be a burden to the team, and that she's not good enough to be a competitive athlete.

Feeling dejected, Koyomi decides to take a walk and clear her head. Along the way, she meets a bird who seems to be stuck in a tree. Koyomi tries to help the bird but ends up getting herself stuck in the tree as well. Fortunately, her friends come to her rescue and manage to get both Koyomi and the bird safely to the ground.

Seeing Koyomi's determination to help the bird despite her fear of heights, Chiyo-chan starts to admire her again and tells her that she thinks Koyomi is very brave. The rest of the group agrees and encourages Koyomi to face her fears and try out for the sports team again.

Moved by her friends' faith in her, Koyomi decides to give it another shot. She starts training harder and enlists the help of her classmates to improve her athletic skills. With her newfound determination and the support of her friends, Koyomi becomes a much better athlete than before.

The episode ends with Koyomi participating in a relay race once again. This time, she manages to catch the baton and runs with all her might, leading her team to victory. With a smile on her face and the cheers of her classmates ringing in her ears, Koyomi realizes that she can do anything she sets her mind to as long as she has the support of her friends by her side.

Overall, Koyomi's Ordeals is a heartwarming and inspirational episode that showcases the power of friendship and overcoming obstacles. It's a great addition to Azumanga Daioh's already impressive lineup, and a must-watch for fans of the series.