The October 31st issue of People Magazine features the cover story ‘Dancing Hero J.R. Martinez, Triumph After Tragedy.‘ J.R. Martinez is a contestant on the current season of Dancing With The Stars. Not only is he an impressive dancer but he inspires people week after week with his courage. The All My Children actor was a relatively unknown before DWTS. While Martinez was a soldier in the US Army in Iraq he suffered a bomb blast in 2003 which left him severely disfigured.
People magazine has more: “Martinez considers himself blessed to have experienced the trauma. If not for the Humvee he was driving hitting a land mine, “My life would not be what it is today: full of joy, happiness and positivity,” he says.
Since the explosion, which burned 40 percent of his body and required a grueling 34-month treatment, Martinez embraces life and all it has to offer – including a solid shot at taking home Dancing’s coveted mirror ball trophy this season with partner Karina Smirnoff. When you show people who you really are and you’re genuine, you don’t have to force positivity,” says Martinez, who is confident with the man he’s become. “I’m not your typical person walking down the street. I’m cool with being different.”
Martinez is such an inspiring role model. I have been watching DWTS every week and I look forward to his dancing. He is a natural dancer and I would say he has a good chance at take the Mirror Ball Trophy. Samantha Harris co-host of DWTS recently said about Martinez chances on winning: “I’ll be surprised if we don’t see JR in the final two.”
To read more about his remarkable journey pick up the current issue of People Magazine which hits stands Friday!
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