Mary Fisher

To many people, a hero is someone with superpowers who saves people's lives, but to me, a hero is an inspirational, courageous person who has dealt with hard times and has conquered challenges. Mary Fisher has ticked all of these boxes, she is my hero. Mary has conquered a big challenge in her life, as she was born on 16 January 1993 with a rare genetic condition called Aniridia. She grew up in Upper Hutt with her Mother, Father, and brother. And now shares a flat in Wellington. She had to find a way to be able to do activities in her life, such as; tying a shoelace, eating and getting around. And that is just three basic things! Mary Fisher can do everything except drive as it is illegal for her.

Mary Fisher with Medals (www.alchetron.com )

Mary is a very resilient person. Resilience is the ability to keep trying and bouncing back after setbacks. She has shown this by moving forward when life has given her setbacks. Mary has moved on through her disability and kept going. She always manages to find a way to get things done. Getting to the pool, for example, walking with her flatmate or getting a ride with her dad. Either way, she gets to the pool. This demonstrates resilience because through the setbacks (she isn't allowed to drive and it would be hard to walk to the pool by yourself) she still found a way to get to training.

Mary Fisher is the epitome of determined. She has shown this as she has trained hard and got a gold, two silvers and bronze medals at the 2012 Paralympics. If Mary wasn't determined she never would've won those medals, this shows that even through the hard times Mary Fisher keeps on going. She is determined to also do well academically as Mary is studying at Massey University, for a Bachelor of Arts. Her current papers are in the realms of human development and sociolinguistics. Mary is determined to juggle her swimming life with her academic life. So if she isn't swimming she is studying, if she is tired she is either having a lay in or doing university work. 'There is far more to life than just swimming.'

Mary Fisher Cooking (www.stuff.co.nz )

At 23 years old Mary is outgoing. Even though her disability stops her from seeing things she still goes out in town. She shops for the groceries that she would need when she cooks once as week. Mary isn't shy to give everything a go, as she has broken many swimming records and claimed many medals. Mary Fisher has also started to learn the mbira, it is a Zimbabwean instrument that fits inside a large Tupperware container, she likes this instrument as it gives off a relaxing timbre sound. With this outgoing attitude, Mary can get anything done.

The resilient, determined, outgoing 23 year old Wellingtonian, has achieved a lot at such a young age. With many records broken and halls of medals, Mary Fisher is an inspiration to me and many other people. With her disability, Mary is still getting on with life and all of the challenges that get thrown at her. Mary's goals and dreams have guided her to become a swimming legend. To me, Mary has become so successful because she has trained hard and fought challenges. Through all of this, she has stayed positive and kept on going. Mary Elizabeth Fisher is my hero.