By Jennifer Russo

At first glance, you can’t help but notice that Athena Lazo, former Patriot’s cheerleader and swimsuit model, is quite simply drop-dead gorgeous. Her dark features and perfect curves make you wish summer was all year long. A deeper look shows that there is much more to Lazo than mere looks. They say beauty is skin deep, and in Lazo’s case, that couldn’t be more true. Beautiful inside and out, she is the personification of setting goals (and achieving them). It’s hard to believe that Lazo herself admits that she is her own worst enemy.

“Nothing is ever good enough. I’ll never be pretty enough or skinny enough in my own head. I don’t know if it’s the industries I have chosen to work in or being in the public eye that’s done this to me, but I have an extreme self-image problem. I try to be confident and see myself as others do, but it’s always been so hard. I’m my biggest critic.”

Maybe that’s why the Worcester native is so driven to succeed. Now a contestant on TNT’s new reality show The Hero, Lazo’s drive and stamina has become even more critical. The show, hosted by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, tests every limit of each of the contestants’ personalities, morals, selflessness, strength and determination in order to find a true hero. Contestants are met with temptations to see how they will sway, testing their integrity to its fullest extent. In the end, America will determine which competitor deserves the title of “Hero.”

I asked Lazo what made her decide to compete on the show. Whereas some people may be competing for themselves, she is doing this as an entirely selfless act for someone she loves dearly…her brother, who is only 13 months older.

“My brother suffered a brain stem tumor at the age of 4 and has had an extremely hard life. This past winter, he had a stroke. Once I knew there was a monetary prize involved, I knew what I had to do ~ win this for my brother. I didn’t care what the snakes smelled like or that I could have been shot running through the streets of Colon. My bro can’t work, and we don’t know when he will be able to. He has an amazing attitude and has regained his ability to walk again and live again, but he is at risk of a stroke every single day. I knew the money would change his life, so I did it for him.”

When not in the spotlight, Athena earned a degree in journalism and communications at Morrisville College (with a nearly perfect GPA, I might add) and currently works as a community relations director at a fitness academy, which she loves.

What’s next for Athena Lazo?

“I’m done pursuing the ‘what’s next?’ I’ve always wanted bigger and better. I’ve worked for Disney World as a character performer, then I went on to the NFL, now I’m on TV. I mean, how can you top that? I’ll tell you how: by starting a family and starting to lay low. I’m ready to move on with my personal life. I’ve conquered everything cool, now it’s time to settle down!”

Looks, brains and a really big heart ~ Lazo is a true everyday hero already, whether she wins the competition or not.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This interview was conducted before the final episode of The Hero on July 31. Athena Lazo did not win the title of Hero, but she fought hard!