Who is your Hero?

“When I was ten years old I saw Mary Lou Retton win a gold medal in gymnastics at the Los Angeles Olympic Games.  I was so excited for her that I couldn’t sleep.  I replayed her perfect performance in my head, seeing her arms shoot up into the air in victory. She scored a perfect 10.  Can you imagine the accomplishment she felt? That summer, miles and miles away from Los Angeles, in the town of Unalakleet, I decided that I wanted to go to the Olympics.  Seventeen years and many wonderful journeys later, my Olympic dream came true.’

– Aelin Peterson

“Donavon McNabb; I got to meet him on their team bus and he was such a great person and thoughtful.” 

– Bobby Hill

“The great polar explorers Amundsen and Shackleton were his heroes.  It was the adventure into the unknown and enduring the hardships that attracted him.”

– Col. Norman Vaughn’s wife Carolyn on Norman

“My father; he raised four children, held two jobs and still found time to take me to every practice and hockey game I had.”

– Dean Larson

“People who love what they do and are passionate about doing their best at whatever they choose – that is contagious and inspires others to be their best and to find a passion.”  

– Rosey Fletcher

“My older brother Brad was somebody I also looked up to as a kid.” 

– Eric Heil

“Muhammad Ali is my hero because he was good at his sport and he always gave it his best.”

– George Attla

“There’s something to admire in just about everyone I meet, but there’s nobody that I admire more than my Mom.” 

– Karen Patten

“Steve Prefontaine, the former American distance runner.  Pre is my hero because he always raced full out, as fast as he could possibly go. He pushed himself to the absolute limit, even in situations where he could have won with a lesser effort.  He took chances and raced with total confidence.”

– Kikkan Randall 

“My brother Laauli and his wife Tee; they supported me through high school. My brother told me if I was going to school and playing sports, that I would not have to work. He and his wife worked long hours to make sure I would play sports. They rarely missed any of my games and were usually the loudest ones there. If it wasn’t for them, I would not be here.” 

– Ma’o Tosi

“My hero is my wife Megan. She went back to college after her ski career and achieved straight A’s and is now a school teacher.” 

– Tommy Moe

“Brian Randazzo, Nicole Johnston, ‘Big Bob’ Aiken, Jesse Frankson and David Thomas are my hero’s because they embody the positive intrinsic values of Alaska Native Games. These all-star, record-holders achieve excellence, with the up-most humility and respect. Brian Randazzo though, has undoubtedly been my inspiration as long as I’ve heard about him and is a hero to me and many.” 

– Phillip Blanchett

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