People tell stories to teach something. It is likely the origin of stories - a way to teach something beyond simply using boring facts. It is a key aspect of many religious texts.
A wise man speaks because he has something to say. A fool speaks because he has to say something
Take this quote and apply it to your story. Are you writing a story simply because you have something to say?
Sculptors begin with the armature. When someone sees the finished product, they do not admire the armature. They do not even notice it. Yet it is key to supporting the sculpture.
Stories should have an armature. It is the idea upon which to hang the story. It is what you want to say with your story.
Don’t make your story about “competition”. That is not a theme/armature. What exactly are you trying to say about competition? That is your armature.
Everything in your story should be designed to make your point.
Don’t try to make your story have several points. Try to stick to one.
Advice given to speakers: Tell them what you’re going to tell them. Tell them. Tell them what you told them. This is the same for stories. Some even argue that these are the three acts. Know where you are going or you will never get there. Then let the audience know where you are taking them. At the end, have a character enunciate your point.