Petra Nemcova

Petra Nemcova (AskMen.com)

There are many people around us who have overcome difficult obstacles in order to do something they love. Petra Nemcova is one of those people. She is strong, talented, and caring. Petra didn’t let a tragic storm stop her from pursuing her dream. She has accomplished a great deal.

Petra Nemcova was born June 24, 1979 in Karvina, Czech Republic. She was raised in Karvina under communist rule. Petra was discovered by a modeling scout during a national talent search in her hometown when she was only a teenager. Nemcova was offered a job modeling swimsuits for Sports Illustrated and she took it. Sure enough, she appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2003. Her face began to pop up in many magazines and ads such as Elle and Harpers Bazaar. Petra also modeled for Victoria’s Secret and appeared on The Late Show! She was and still is a very successful model in high demand.

One day Petra Nemcova was vacationing with her boyfriend Simon Atlee on the coast of Thailand when a terrifying Tsunami exploded onto the land. It swept her up into a tree and she was forced to hold on for her life. She was hanging on for a long eight hours until finally, she was rescued. Luckily she had escaped the disaster, but with a broken pelvis and serious internal injuries. Her boyfriend however was declared missing. Eventually his body was recovered and he was pronounced dead. This was hard for Petra to handle but somehow she managed to get through it. Eventually her condition improved and she returned to modeling despite all that had happened in the blink of an eye. Petra was inspired to start an association called the Happy Hearts Fund. This is an organization that helps provide for children who may not get enough to eat or who have been affected by the Tsunami. Petra is making a difference.

Petra inspires me because she was a victim of a Tsunami, she shattered her pelvis, had internal injuries, was literally swept up in the waves, and lost her boyfriend. However, she found a way to get through the heart and bone breaking tragedy. She got back on the path that she was passionate to be on. I know that it is really hard to be brave and move on in your life, but Petra Nemcova did just that and she is now making a difference through the Happy Hearts Fund. Petra knew what she wanted even after the storm tried to turn her life upside down. She pursued her dream. In the future, whenever I’m doubting myself or I feel like giving up, I will remember this story and fill my heart with self confidence and determination!!!

I've learned a lot based on Petra's example. She taught me that you can't stop bad things from happening around you, but what you can control is how you handle them. Please remember that if a messy situation comes along and makes you lose your balance, shake it off, stand back up and you will see that your misfortunes can make you stronger.