Tonight is the premiere for the reality-competition show The Hero from the team of TNT and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The heavily-promoted show is billed as:
“An epic competition testing the strength, courage, and integrity of a diverse group of nine individuals. Each week, the contestants will be tested, physically, mentally, and morally, as they try to prove that they truly deserve the title of “The Hero” and the life-changing grand prize that goes with it. With temptations around every corner, America watches to see what the contestants are willing to overcome, undergo, and sacrifice on behalf of themselves and others. In the end, it’s America’s call on who will be ‘The Hero.'”
One of the nine people hoping to take home the prize of a lifetime is former New England Patriots cheerleader Athena Lazo from Worcester, Massachusetts. Here’s the 25-year-old current community relation director’s bio information as well as her introductory Q&A and video from TNT. Also included are Athena’s social media links.
ATHENA LAZO
Athena currently serves as a community relations director for a fitness academy. She believes she is a hero because she puts aside her problems in order to be there for others during their struggles. Athena faced adversity at a young age and that experience has made her more independent.
What do you think it means to be a hero? A hero never quits. A hero starts at the bottom and earns his/her way to the top. When a hero gets knocked down, they get back up. They are solid in their principles and their decisions and they never live their days with regret. A hero will give the shirt off of their back despite what they need at the time.
What’s the most important quality that a hero must possess? A hero must be self-sacrificing. A hero will always be willing to take a beating for the benefit of others.
When did you first realize you have what it takes to be a hero? My brother was diagnosed with a brainstem tumor at the age of 4. He was not supposed to live past the age of 9… He turned 26 this year. He fought; he fights every day. I became his guide; his stability. I’ve always been my brother’s protector and guardian. When my brother suffered a stroke a couple months ago, I realized at that point that I needed to be his hero. I proved to myself that I had what it took to stay strong; to not cry in front of him. I had what it took to feed him and help him walk again. His entire life, he’s looked up to me, expecting me to show him the ways and lead him, but he has taught me more than he will ever know about life & bravery. He is the most solid man I know. I realized I was a hero when the hero in my life needed aid from me.
What’s your biggest strength? My selflessness.
What’s your biggest weakness? My inability to love myself judgment free. I am my own worst enemy.
You vs. The Rock: What would be the outcome? He’d give in and fall in love with my charming personality and witty sense of humor, and if that didn’t happen, I’d willingly throw myself into his big man arms.
If your life was an action movie, what would it be called? “Fist of Fashion.”
What are three things you couldn’t live without? Love, Family & Music.
What’s your biggest fear? Being abandoned; left alone.
What’s your guilty pleasure? Ben and my main man, Jerry!
What accomplishment in life are you the most proud of? I am most proud of my retirement from the NFL. At times, I never thought I’d be able to get through my years as a New England Patriots Cheerleader, but when I received my retirement ring, I knew I had done it!
What’s your biggest motivator? I never give up because my brother, mother & grandparents taught me to never give up. I am motivated by family, love (the most complete and important emotion) and education. The thought that you can never stop learning is pure amazement to me.
Who’s your hero? My big brother, Dhosi, is my hero.
What would be your theme song? “TNT” by AC/DC
Why did you want to be on this show? I wanted to be my big brother’s legs & voice on The Hero. He is the most heroic man I know, and after he suffered from a brainstem tumor, medical complications & a stroke before the age of 26, I knew I had to do this for him.
What gets your adrenaline pumping (e.g. are you a skydiver? Whitewater rafter? Afraid of public speaking, etc.) New love gets my adrenaline pumping. You can’t beat that on-top-of-the-world feeling.
Athena’s social media links:
Twitter – @AthenaLazo
Facebook – lazoathena
Best of luck to Athena, who does have a great hero name btw, on her adventure. The Hero premieres tonight on TNT at 8/7c.
