45 Commando Royal Marines attack a fortified village. The attack fails and they withdraw. At their rally point they realize they are short one Marine. Calling in the "Cavalry" they get two US Army Apaches. Royal Marines have no small helicopters. The 4 volunteers strap themselves on the outside of the weapons pods and fly, in daylight, into the firefight to rescue their comrade. When they find him, he is dead. They carry his body, while under fire for 80 yards back to the birds, throw him on the "wing", hold on and fly out.

I don't have any "sports heroes". I think I define the word more closely. I think people knowingly risking their life for their comrade under the worst conditions better defines my understanding of the word Hero.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=n9qIp5togeY