This one was particularly difficult because there are many people I admire for different reasons or traits. But then there would be far too many entries and it would cheapen the idea of admiring someone. So I have to go with the few people who have genuinely impacted me on a personal basis; top-drawer quality over quantity.

My mother
She is the strongest, most compassionate individual I could ever meet. I feel blessed to be her son, because whenever I falter or feel like giving up on life, her love and support is a major factor for keeping me going. She is ambitious and driven, but in a sense that is unconventional these days: she always think of others before herself. She tries so hard every day to be the kindest support system for me, my family, and for other people. I would be fortunate to be half as selfless.

My sister
My sister, a little less than four years my junior, is a spark of joy in my life. She is effervescent and independent, and she never deludes herself into letting other people bring her down. Smart, funny, kind and selfless, I feel privileged to call her a close friend as well as a sibling.

Eric Cantona
My favorite soccer player of all time. Okay, given the introduction, this would seem completely out of place. But truly, this man, his passion, and the way he conducted himself during his footballing career and still to this day merits the admiration. Sublime ability, insatiable drive to practice and improve, a persona to marvel at, honest to a fault, simply legendary in every sense of the word. He never compromises himself for anybody or loses sight of what is important in life. He inspires me to be the best me that I can be, regardless of what other people might think.