Heros and Hero Figures

      I myself do have my form of a “hero”. In fact, there are a few people I can dub with such a title. The hero’s that play a major role in my life are not that of the classic super heroes from the comic books. They are not daring protectors of the damsel in distress, nor are they the world’s last hope against the forces of evil. The heroes that play their part in my life are the inspirational athletes that carry the burden of a nation on their shoulders, and still manage to come out as victors. My personal hero is Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid and Spain.  The “best defender in the world” is my inspiration when I’m lacing up my own cleats. The “white monster” is a clear example of what it takes to make it out there. He gains the respect of the football (soccer) fans, his teammates and himself when he steps onto the field. He knows that you have to leave it all behind you out there, win or lose. There is never a game where he is not giving it everything he has. In the World Cup when the weight of his teammates and his nation rested heavily on his shoulders he fought his way through like a true gladiator of the day. It is people like this who inspire me to go out there and show what I’ve got to give to the game.

                Aside from the real-life heroes I choose to idolize, I also have my fair share of fictional ones. I grew up around my dad and my brother and was converted to the realm of Marvel and DC comics quickly. My personal favourite superhero growing up was Thor, the god of Norse mythology that has recently been remade in its highly anticipated blockbuster.  As a kid this particular figure appealed to me because he was of mythological relevance, he seem to be impossibly big and strong, he was a member of the Avengers and his powers made sense to me (in some backwards kind of way). It made sense for me to see a protector as big, strong, fast, flying and carrying a huge hammer as a weapon. It did not make sense to me to have heroes that shot laser beams out of their  eyes or were able to steal others powers.