What makes a hero? In Greek mythology, heroes are bigger, stronger, and more intelligent than everybody else. They prove this fact by fighting in a great battle or defeating some fearsome enemy.

Today there's no need for heroes to test themselves in battle. But, the inspiring candidates for hero of the year prove that one thing remains the same: they show courage in the face of overwhelming odds. So, here are five of the best examples from 2024:

Alexei Navalny. A Russian lawyer and critic of Vladimir Putin who spent years campaigning against corruption, despite being even poisoned with NovichokA group of nerve agents, most infamously used in the poisoning of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the UK in 2018. , and could have lived safely in exileForced out of one's country, often as a form of punishment. . He was sent to prison in the Arctic Circle and, in January of this year, reported dead. "If they decide to kill me, it means that we are incredibly strong," he told an interviewer before his arrest.¹

Andrew Flintoff. In 2022, the former cricketer turned Top Gear presenter crashed at 130mph and was seriously injured. Determined to show that anyone could play cricket, he selected a team of young men from his home town of Preston and taught them the game. This culminated in a life-changing - and, for viewers of his TV programme, heart-warming - tour to India.

Gisele Pelicot. For nine years, Gisele Pelicot was drugged by her husband, who then invited men to rape her while unconscious. Now 51 of those men are standing trial, including her husband. Pelicot bravely waived her right to anonymity during the trial. Her mantraA phrase that is often repeated, like a motto. The word comes from a Sanskrit term referring to a sacred utterance. is simple but powerful: La honte change de camp. "Shame must change sides."²

Sunita Williams. In June, Sunita Williams started an eight-day trip into space. But her spaceship suffered several problems, and now she has to wait until February 2025 to return to Earth, which will be a serious test of her mental and physical endurance. Although one of the most experienced astronauts alive, Williams misses taking her dogs for morning walks.³

Vandana Shiva. To Indian environmental campaigner Dr Vandana Shiva, seeds are a symbol of courage, survival and biodiversity. Known as the "Gandhi of grain," she believes that industrial technologies have destroyed the landscapes and livelihoods of the world's poorest people.⁴ She has spent the last five decades campaigning to save the people and the environment from corporate greed.

Who will you choose?