Sophie Pascoe

Sophie Pascoe Swimming Breast Stroke at Glasglow (http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/commonwealt ())

When you think of a hero do you think of Batman or Superman? Yes these characters are "heroes" but they don't define heroes. These examples are stereotypical heroes. For me, a hero is someone you can look up to, think wow I wish I had courage like them or that person sure has determination after recovering from a setback. A hero is someone inspirational. Someone like Sophie Frances Pascoe. I have chosen Sophie Pascoe as my inspirational person because she has been through a hard time, but she has had the courage to put her physical impairment aside and get on with life, doing the thing she loves. Sophie Pascoe was born on the 8 January 1993 to Gary and Jo Pascoe. She grew up on the outskirts of Christchurch, near Halswell, with her Mother, Father and older sister Rebecca. As a two-year-old Pascoe was in a horrific lawnmower accident. While her Father was mowing the lawns on their semi-rural lifestyle block she got stuck under the cutting deck of their ride-on lawn mower, resulting in her left leg being amputated below the knee. Because of this accident and how she has recovered from this I think three characteristics that portray Sophie really well are Courage, Resilience and Determination. These are only a few of the reasons Sophie Pascoe is my hero.

Courage means "the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty". Sophie in the second year of her life faced something so difficult that most people would never face in their entire lives, but she was brought up just like any other child and has grown up to be one of New Zealand's best ever Paralympians. Pascoe faces obstacles daily whether it is speaking in front of people, a grueling training session or the biggest race of her life. She has the courage to battle on and continue to face the challenges everyday. Imagine being fifteen. you're on the world stage at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics about to swim 100 breast stroke, you're New Zealand's youngest ever Paralympian, you are battling nerves but you get in the pool swim the race of your life and win gold!!! Sophie had the courage to go to the Olympics with all of her competitors being older than her and swim, not letting her leg (or lack of) get in her way of her dream to win a paralympic medal for her deceased Gragra.

The definition of Resilience in my world might as well be defined "Sophie Pascoe" as I believe she is a true example of Resilience. Resilience really means "the ability to recover quickly from difficulties". Sophie has been resilient by not letting her leg injury rain on her dreams. Pascoe was raised like her sister meaning her parents did not let Sophie's leg stop her from living like every other school kid, playing a part in why she is so resilient. She has chased her dreams after realising what she wanted to do. Sophie is the most resilient person I have ever heard of, yet she has put it aside so she can live life to the fullest, doing what she loves.

Sophie Pascoe In London 2012 (http://www.womensweekly.co.nz/latest/real-life/sop ())

I believe Sophie Pascoe is one of the most determined people in the world. The dictionary definition of determined is "having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it". But to me, determined is to begin something and continue trying to get to where you personally want to be. Sophie did this when her Gragra (grandfather) died. She promised she would win a gold medal at the paralympic games for him which she stuck at and did in 2008 at the Beijing Paralympics. Pascoe has also shown determination by getting up every morning at 5:00 or earlier to train while still continuing with her fashion studies then doing another training in the evening for about two hours including gym work. These are all examples of why Sophie Pascoe's determination is one of the reasons she is my hero.

Sophie Pascoe is one of New Zealand's most inspirational athletes and people for that matter because she is Resilient, Courageous, Determined, and an inspirational role model. Pascoe's dream of going to the Paralympics has guided her through tough times. When her Grandfather died, her dream got more personal because she had a reason to strive for her goal, not just personal glory. I believe that Pascoe's drive, dedication, and commitment has led her to be without a doubt New Zealand's greatest Paralympian and arguably New Zealand's greatest athlete. Sophie is an inspiration to any New Zealander because she sticks at her dreams and goals and never gives up. Pascoe is a role model, inspiration and mainly a hero to me and many other New Zealanders.