"The Dream of a Boy Who Never Gave Up"

Jackie Robinson and Donovan Carrillo are important social leaders in sports because they changed America, and Mexico, for the better. Carrillo is a talented figure skater as well as a role model for other Hispanic athletes. Jackie Robinson was an extraordinary baseball player and paved the way for non-white athletes. Both Jackie and Carrillo broke barriers in their industry. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 by playing his first game in Major League Baseball. He also got into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Carrillo is the first Mexican man to qualify for the Olympics in 30 years. Carrillo finished 22nd out of 29 and when competing at the Festival Abierto Mexicano, he won the gold medal and became the first Mexican skater ever to land a quadruple jump and the quadruple Salchow in a competition.

Jackie Robinson and Donovan Carrillo both had family support. Jackie had the support of his wife, Rachel, and his mother, Mallie. In Promises to Keep, on page 26, by Sharon Robinson, who is Jackie's daughter, it tells us, "He had the support of a loving woman and a steadfast mother." This explains that with his family's support, Jackie was able to break the barrier in Major League Baseball. Donovan Carrillo had the support of his parents. An article on Olympics.com says, "...figure skating at the Olympic Games wouldn't be possible for Donovan Carrillo without the inspiration and the help from his parents." This explains that Carrillo might not have gotten an interest in figure skating if it wasn't for his parents. They both had courage as well. Jackie had courage and faith in himself. In Promises to Keep, on page 29, it says, "He had his faith." This explains that Jackie was faithful and had courage. Carrillo also had courage. In an article on Olympics.com, it says, "The years and years of effort leading up to that moment has included a career in figure skating for Carrillo and the work fulfills what he calls, "The dream of a young boy who never gave up." This explains that Carrillo was dedicated and had courage and faith in himself.

Jackie Robinson and Donovan Carrillo had a difference in how made they were paid. Jackie had a contract for 600 dollars a month, which was a lot back in 1947 and Carrillo wasn't able to afford the coaching and guidance he needed. In Promises to Keep, on page 36, Sharon tells us, "On October 23, 1945... my father flew to Montreal to sign his contract with the Montreal Royals, the Dodgers' farm team for a bonus of $3,500 and a salary of $600 a month." This explains that Jackie was paid well during his contract. However, Donovan Carrillo did not have the money he needed to get lessons and coaching. In an article on Olympics.com, it says,"...we couldn't afford the ice skating lessons, remembers Carrillo's mother Diana." This explains that Carrillo did not have the same amount of money as Jackie. Jackie and Carrillo also play different sports. Jackie excelled at baseball, while Carrillo is skilled at figure skating. In Promises to Keep, on page 36, it says, "When he was on base, Dad studied the outfield. He knew exactly what had to happen in order for him to successfully steal a base." This explains that Jackie Robinson was very skilled in his sport. Carrillo also has skills in his sport. In an article by Olympics.com, it says, "He's the first Mexican figure skater to compete at in the Games in 30 years, and the first ever to advance to the free skate." This explains that Carrillo excels in figure skating.

Jackie Robinson and Donovan Carrillo have their similarities and differences. They both have family support, faith, and courage. But they had a difference in pay and sport they performed in. Donovan Carrillo is the first Mexican man in 30 years to qualify for the Olympics, and Jackie Robinson was the first African-American player in Major League Baseball. Both of these important figures have paved the way for future athletes of color, race, or gender.