Are Athletes Heroes Essay - 1166 Words

Are exceptional athletes heroes ? Heroics is used very broadly and can consist of many different aspects of ones= feats or achievements. While researching this topic, I have found that there are numerous ways to describe a hero. What makes a hero? I have determined in my opinion, that the word Ahero@ consists of ones accomplishments, actions or service that leads to the betterment of others. From my definition of the word, exceptional athletes do have the potential to be heroes. The word hero has been used broadly for many years. The word has found different variations of its meaning throughout a time line of history. Going back to our ancient history, the word was found primarily in literature. The word hero or heroine trails†¦show more content†¦Michael Jordan is one of the most talented athletes, but it=s beyond his talent that defines him as a hero. It is Jordan=s actions outside of the court that he has attributed. Jordan is involved with a variety of charities including the Boys Girls Club of America, Special Olympics,UNCF/College Fund and a number of other charitable organizations that support children and families. Jordan contributes much of his time towards the youth, assisting them as individuals and athletes. His ability on the court was always backed by his actions off. Many throughout our time can be characterized as a hero by this definition, but can exceptional athletes fit this criteria as well? My answer is that exceptional athletes can be characterized as heroes under the same heroic principles. Heroes do not consist of those who set unbreakable records or sign multi-million dollar contracts. Athletic heroes consist of those whose actions have been followed and attributed to others in a positive or benefitting way. One prime example of heroism is Jason McElwain. McElwain doesn=t have the fame and fortune as other star athletes, but his dedication and perseverance led him to such heroic feats. Jason McElwain suffers from autism and shares the love for basketball like many others worldwide. It took only four minutes for McElwain to go from a unknown team manager of his high school=s basketball team, into a nationwide inspiration for many. During McElwain=sShow MoreRelatedThe Temple Of Zeus At Olympia, Heroes, And Athletes1693 Words   |  7 PagesOlympia, Heroes, and Athletes†, 2005, pp. 211-241 I chose to review Judith Barringer’s article on the topic of why the sculpture works inside the Temple of Zeus should be looked at as a whole collective ensemble. This is because they would provide insight into how these works were seen and how they were closely related to Olympia and all the activity that occurred there. 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