Angel Martino

In every child's life, there are many different people they look up to and idolize. Some of these people are famous, rich, and the best their occupation. Others are just normal people who the child believes has accomplished great things in their life. Either way, this idol is the child's hero and role model and decides whether or not the kid will strive for excellence or give up when they feel like it. My hero fits in both of these categories. Angel Martino is not only one of the best swimmers in the world, she is also a happily married woman who is raising a cute baby girl. My reasons for admiring her are endless, and I hope to follow in her footsteps one day.

Angel was born in Americus, Georgia on April 25, 1967. It soon became obvious that she had a love for the water that was unsurpassed by anyone her age. She joined Americus Blue Tide swim team, coached by her parents Kirt and Theresa Myers. She then continued on, winning events and taking part in national events around the world. In 1996, she was a member of the American record-setting, gold medal-winning 400m free relay and gold medal-winning 400m medley at the Olympic Games. She then earned the bronze medal in the 100m free, another bronze in the 100m butterly, and then 4th place in the 50m free. After recieving these, she gave her bronze medal from the 100m free to a 19-year-old Olympic volunteer and Univ. of Illinois swimmer, who has cancer. Next she won the 100m fly and finished second in the 50m and 100m free at Trials to earn a spot again on the Olympic team. She was voted team captain by her 1996 Olympic teamtmates and walked away with a total of six Olympic medals which ties her for second on the all-time U.S. list. Angel is the oldest Olympic gold medalist in U.S. women's Olympic Swimming ever at age 29. She is the 8th fastest woman ever in the 50m free, the 9th-fastest woman ever in the 100m free, and the 5th-fastest American woman ever in the 100m fly. She is the world record holder in 100m back and American record-holer in the 100m and 100y freestyles.

Many people think that sports heros are bad, but I don't see why they're any different from any other kind. Angel not only is a great swimmer, she also proved herself when everyone else thought she couldn't. When you're at age 29, no one thinks you can beat anyone. She worked hard, and showed the world that age can never stop anyone who has courage and determination.