Jason Lester

Jason Lester (http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Sports/Galleries/5-Inspiring-Athletes-Who-Overcame-Disabilities.aspx?p=3 (http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Sports/Galleries/5-Inspiring-Athletes-Who-Overcame-Disabilities.aspx?p=3))

My Hero's name is Jason Lester; he was raised to be a champion.  Jason keeps going hard in life even when things get tough, he faces life with a positive attitude and doesn't give up.  He is determined and courageous.  Jason wouldn't give up too easily and his faith for the most part is what keeps him going.  Although he faces new challenges daily and had a hard life growing up, he is strong and his story has come to be an inspiration to me.

Jason, born in 1974, was already obsessed with sports and had already developed the skills of an athlete by the age of 12.  Unfortunately that is when a big change and challenge occurred in his life, while on a bicycle he was hit by a car that had run a red light, Jason suffered severe injuries and the accident left him with a paralyzed arm.  Jason did not let this stop him.  His recovery was slow and while he was in the hospital, Jason had another life changing experience, his father and best friend died due to a heart attack.  This was real hard for Jason to process, all of this stuff happening to him at once at such a young age, it was all a big confusion to him.  His uncle though, did his best to tell Jason and convince him that God had a bigger plan for him and he loved him.  But God just didn't make any sense to Jason at the time.

Inspired by his father and his love of athletics, Jason kept going and was determined to succeed in any possible way.  By the age of 16 Jason was well on his way competing in biathlon and running events.  He completed the Ultraman world Championships on November 3, 2008 in Hawaii, by swimming 6.2 miles, biking 261.4 miles and running 52.4 miles until the finish line.  He then became the first challenged athlete to complete such a championship.  Since then Jason has competed in many extreme races and constantly proves himself by giving his all and succeeding.

Jason eventually gave his life to the Lord and he keeps living for Him and believes that it is all God's perfect plan for his life.  He gives the Glory for his successes and everything else to God, whom he calls his father.  When I found out about Jason and read his story, I was amazed that, after going through everything he did, Jason was very strong in all of it and by being positive he came to accept what had happened to him and is still making the most of his life.  He did not give up, and giving up would normally be a person's first instinct but Jason didn't and it brought him a long way.  He showed that going after that  dream really does bring a person happiness and success.  Hard work pays off!  Jason always seems to strive for his best and to him it doesn't matter if he wins or losses, he already has succeeded just by being brave enough to take the chance and try it.

I really have to say Jason's story amazed and inspired me a lot.  His determination, bravery, success and positive attitude showed me that no matter what happens to a person, whatever complication they may have, you can be a champion and you can be a greater person then you already are just by putting your all into everything you do.  Success really comes to those who try and believe.  I really hope others can also be inspired by Jason and his positive attitude and the way he keeps being so strong through everything!  He really is a person that can be called a true Hero!