Louis Zamperini A Role Model For The World

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One man is not capable of changing a nation, but he is able to change the people in it; to show them humility, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Louis Zamperini was an unlikely hero for America, and an even unlikelier role model for the world. “Louis Zamperini was a World War II prisoner of war, an Olympic athlete and an inspirational figure and writer” (Biography). He was born into an immigrant Italian family and faced discrimination, and lacked support throughout his early life, but he became an advocate and representative for the best aspects of America and the human race through his determination to improve himself and those around him. The words bravery, courage, and heroism are often used to label a person whose actions exceed or surpass the …show more content…

A couple years after his birth, his family decided to move to the West Coast due to an increasing abundance of jobs. This move landed the Zamerini family in the twon of Torrance, California. His father, Anthony Zamperini, was the breadwinner for the family, and his mother, Louise Dossi-Zamperini was a very kind stay-at-home mother (Bumgarder).
For much of his young life, Louis was a local nuisance, causing more harm than good. He would steal, lie, and vandalize. Though most of it was harmless and not meant to be malicious, the town (as well as the local police) were tired of the constant disturbance that was the “Terror of Torrance”. It wasn’t until his older brother Pete forced Louis to be involved in the high school track team that Louis finally started bucking some of his more mischievous habits (Hillenbrand).
Speaking of Louis’ track career, the kid was a total natural. Throughout his high school career he broke and set dozens of national high school records in the 1,600 meter run (Hillenbrand). “In 1934, Zamperini set the national high school mile record, and his time of 4 minutes and 21.2 seconds would stand for an incredible 20 years” …show more content…

The university even offered him a scholarship to attend. Louis accepted (Biography). Even though his collegiate career had begun, his track and field career was far from over. Actually it seemed to just be kicking off. At the age of nine-teen he wanted to try out for the U.S. Olympic team in the mile run, but due to financial difficulties and timing he was unable to attend the tryouts for that particular event. He was very disappointed by this, but his mother (who had always encouraged him to follow his passions) found an article in the newspaper stating that the 5,000 meter run tryouts were being held a few weeks later (Hillenbrand).
Louis thought that there was no chance for him to qualify, especially an event he had never run before and only had a matter of days to train for. Despite this, he tied the world record holder, Don Lash, in the 5,000 meter and qualified with flying colors for the Olympic team. He was going to the 1936 Berlin Olympics

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