Air date: November 10th, 2003 (UK), March 15th, 2004 (US)
Thomas has to take some children to their annual sports day. When they arrive, a boy tells Thomas that he hopes he's number one and wins a medal. Thomas agrees it's magnificent to win a medal, and later imagines himself with a medal around his boiler.
Later, Thomas and Bertie are at the sheds, when Percy arrives. He tells the two he's taking the Fat Controller to the venue. Thomas tells him he can see the egg and spoon race there, where children race with eggs on spoons, and the winner of the race gets a medal. Thomas tells Percy and Bertie he wishes he could have a medal and Percy tells him he'd have to win a race. Bertie challenges Thomas to a race to the venue, and he accepts as the race begins.
Bertie edges in front at first but manages to get stuck behind Trevor and Thomas takes the lead. However, he doesn't keep the lead for long, as he has to stop to pick up passengers. Bertie regains the lead as he rumbles over the bridge. Then, Bertie has to stop at a level crossing and Thomas takes the lead once more.
Thomas is almost at the venue when he spots a signalman with a red flag in his hand and the Fat Controller, who explains that the medals were left in his office and asks Thomas to retrieve them. Thomas, no longer caring about the race, puffs away to retrieve the medals.
Down the line, Bertie arrives at Wellsworth Station, winning the race. Bertie waits keenly for Thomas, but he never comes as Thomas is steaming back for the medals. He arrives at Knapford Station, where the stationmaster gives Thomas' driver the medals. Thomas arrives at the Sports Field Halt with the medals, just in time for the medals to be handed out.
The next day, Thomas is at Maithwaite Station when the Fat Controller and Bertie arrive with a surprise for Thomas. A boy gives Thomas his own medal and wraps it around his boiler. The Fat Controller and the boy express their gratitude for Thomas' hard work during the sports day, and Thomas thanks them for the medal, while the children give him "three cheers".
Tropes featured in the episode:
- The Big Race: Thomas and Bertie have their second race. This time, Bertie wins.
- End of an Age: This is the last episode of the Classic Series.
- Season Finale: Of Series 7.
