What makes a hero? In the past, heroes proved their strength, skill and intelligence by 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.

Alexei Navalny. A Russian lawyer and critic of Vladimir Putin who spent years campaigning against corruption. He was sent to prison in the Arctic Circle and, in January this year, was 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, 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 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. Pelicot bravely waived her right to anonymity. 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, a serious mental and physical test. Although one of the most experienced astronauts alive, she says she 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 technology has destroyed the landscapes and livelihoods of the world's poorest people, and has spent the past 50 years campaigning to save the people and the environment from corporate greed.⁴

Who will you choose?

Mantra - A phrase that is often repeated, like a motto. The word comes from a Sanskrit term referring to a sacred utterance.