Today I came across a wonderful article in Nintendo Power magazine that was shown on the Metroid Database about a cosplayer called Michelle Perl. Michelle suffered low self esteem issues due to her weight during her high school years, and when she lost her mother to cancer, she found the motivation to do something about it and Samus was a key part of that motivation. The article then goes on to quote Michelle:

My most powerful source of motivation to keep going was Samus Aran. I covered my room in all sorts of Metroid paraphernalia to keep my wheels spinning.

Samus is an ideal role model not just to me, but for many women to look up to as a powerful female icon. In a video game realm with princesses aplenty, Samus stands out as an atypical Nintendo gal holding the title of one of gaming’s strongest symbols of courage, power and heroism.

Michelle went from a body weight of 200 pounds down to an amazing 110 pounds through healthy eating and exercising at the gym. She also used Wii Fit to monitor her progress. She has created two Samus costumes as part of her cosplay, one Zero Suit and a Justin Bailey suit based off the end scene in the original Metroid NES.

It’s always great to hear these types of stories but to have Samus and Metroid being a huge influence in this makes me smile.

Source: Metroid Database

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