Examples exceptional fortitude and tenacity under trying conditions

Examples of those who have shown exceptional fortitude and tenacity under trying conditions

Instances of people who have persevered with extraordinary tenacity and fortitude in the face of adversity, demonstrating how the human spirit can overcome obstacles and accomplish remarkable feats by being tenacious and resilient.

Aron Ralston: Ralston was pinned against the canyon wall in 2003 while hiking by himself in a secluded gorge in Utah when a boulder fell on his arm. Ralston was unable to move or call for assistance for five days before he made the agonizing choice to use a dull pocket knife to amputate his own arm in order to free himself and survive.

Malala Yousafzai: Yousafzai was shot in the head by Taliban terrorists in 2012 as a result of her support for girls' education. She is a Pakistani education activist. She miraculously survived the assault and has kept up her campaigning, becoming the youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize in 2014.

Nelson Mandela: For his anti-apartheid activities in South Africa, Mandela served 27 years in prison. Mandela remained steadfast in his beliefs despite the difficult circumstances and his captivity, and he rose to prominence as a figure of opposition to the repressive government. He continued to fight for a smooth democratic transition in South Africa after being freed.

Bethany Hamilton is a professional surfer who was only 13 years old when she was attacked by a shark and lost her left arm. She persisted in surfing and competing at a high level despite the physical difficulty, motivating others with her willpower and fortitude.

Nick Vujicic: While Vujicic was born without arms or legs, he did not let this to define who he is today. He developed into a motivational speaker, motivating others to overcome their own obstacles by sharing his message of hope and resiliency with audiences all over the world.

These people, along with countless others like them, serve as examples of how the human spirit can triumph over challenges and do amazing things by being resilient and determined.