My Hero, the regular that’s best read with Dave Grohl playing softly in your head, took something of a controversial turn the week before last but we’re back on safer ground today with US snowboarder Erin Comstock [left] choosing her snowboarding buddy Alyona Alekhina [right] from Russia as her hero. Here be why

Alyona Alekhina is my hero, inspiration, and really good friend. I met Alyona about five years ago at Mt. Hood, Oregon.  I saw a cute blonde girl dressed head-to-toe in Roxy and just had to meet her. I found out she was a Russian snowboarder who was passionate about riding and promoting the sport.

After that I kept up with Alyona through social media and an occasional chance meeting.  Then this past April she had a really horrible, terrifying snowboarding accident where she broke her back. She was transferred to Craig Hospital in Denver the same week I moved to Denver. I watched Alyona as she used every piece of mental power a person can imagine to overcome this injury. Her determination and strength is inspiring to me. I am so grateful for the friendship we are able to enjoy because I live so close to where she is recovering. She has seen other young athletes come in and then leave the hospital as they give up on trying to heal. Instead of giving up, Alyona has dedicated six days a week to three plus hours of gym time and therapy. She has shown me how to stay strong when it seems so impossible and I have learned to never give up even when all odds are against you.  Love you Alyona! XO

For more My Hero love head here and WATCH ERIN IN EPIC URBAN SNOW MOVIE WILDER HERE