Rudy Garcia-Tolson

Rudy Garcia-Tolson (http://media-dis-n-dat.blogspot.com/2009/10/double-amputee-gives-his-all-at-ironman.html)

I think a hero is someone who is very brave, respectful, and who never stops working at what they do, whatever they are doing.

My hero is Rudy Garcia-Tolson and he is really brave and respectful. He was very brave because he kept on going and never stopped working even when his legs had to be amputated all the way above his knees. He was very respectful because he helped raise challenged Athletes Foundation more then 21 million dollars so his challenged peers could have the same amount of opportunities as he did. He was also brave because when he was born he had multiple birth defects. The doctor told his parents that he was going to have to his legs amputated or he would have to be in a wheel chair the rest of his life. He never let his amputation stop him. In 2004 and 2008 he won gold medals and set a record for his class. Also, he was the first bilateral above knee amputee to finish an Ironman triathlon by using a standard bike.

My hero has inspired lots of people from around the world. He also shows people that whatever problem you have, it can never stop you. Many people believe he is one of the best athletes ever. When he was a kid he did a lot of running and a little swimming. When he was 13, he was the best amputee above-knee runner ever. He never stopped. When he was 15, he was a great Olympian swimmer. He has won many gold medals in his career.

I think Rudy is important to me because he taught me a valuable lesson: a strong heart is a powerful weapon. He also inspired me because I would like to be a great Olympian swimmer when I grow up.