He threw himself into campaigning for Lincoln, and, more than anyone, helped secure his victory.

NEWYORKER: Union Man

He threw himself into raising money for Democrats in 2004, and has contributed or raised money for some two dozen candidates.

NPR: Clinton to Return Funds from Fundraiser Hsu

Early on this outcast in a family of great wealth and power turned to Islamic radicalism, and he threw himself into the 1980s Afghanistan war against the Soviet Union, training recruits as an agent of the Saudis.

FORBES: Osama Bin Laden: The Anti-Leader

Sent to an orphanage at age 7 because his mother couldn't support her five children, he soon threw himself into work, intent on improving his future.

FORBES: Lens master

Such was his excitement that he threw himself back into the company, first taking direct control of the underperforming applications division and then, at the end of 1998, telling Mr Lane that he intended to involve himself in every aspect of the business.

ECONOMIST: Oracle

He gave up graduate school and threw himself into work as a volunteer publicizing the AIDS problem.

NPR: One Man Against AIDS in China

He began researching the book in 2001, and threw himself into the novel during the last two years of his life.

WSJ: Deciphering Michael Crichton's Clues for 'Micro'

In a frantic finale to the first 45 minutes, Walter Samuel threw himself in front of Malouda as he drove into the box, while Motta rescued Inter with a goalline clearance as Anelka forced a shot beyond Cesar.

BBC: Samuel Eto'o

He served as a mentor to dozens of children and threw himself into fundraising.

FORBES: Renaissance Man