Athletes can be heroes
Perhaps I should ask the bigger question: Are athletes heroes? Or is that title reserved only for people like firefighters and soldiers? Is it more heroic to save a life or to inspire one? To keep the body from dying or to breathe life into the spirit?
Some heroes protect our lives and property. Some defend our rights and freedoms. And some heroes lift our spirits and show us that what we thought was impossible is achievable.
They raise us — sometimes momentarily, sometimes eternally — into the realm of immortals.
They move us to find the greatness inside of ourselves and to share it with the world.
When you climb to the pinnacle of your world, you are a hero.
When you can bear the weight of a nation upon your shoulders and still stand straight and tall, you are a hero.
When every boy in America wishes he were you, you are a hero.
So, the answer is, yes.
Michael Phelps is a hero.
Christopher Thornblad
Farmington
Recent comments
I don't think you're going to get unanimity here. Some people reading…
Lewt | Aug. 21, 2008 at 3:34 p.m.
To me a hero is determined by not only his/her actions, but by the…
I say no... | Aug. 21, 2008 at 3:07 p.m.
A hero is someone who is semi-divine, usually meaning that one but…
Hatuletoh | Aug. 21, 2008 at 2:57 p.m.
