Born in a family of surfers on February 8, 1990, Bethany Hamilton is an American professional surfer. She has become a source of inspiration to millions all around the globe through her story of determination, unquenchable hope and her faith in God.
When she was just eight-years old, Bethany entered her first surf competition, the Rell Sun Menehune event on Oahu and won both the short and long board divisions. On October 31, 2003 at the age of 13, she was attacked by 14-feet tiger-shark while surfing off Kauai’s north shore. She survived the attack but, unfortunately, lost her left arm. Having lost over 60% of her blood, and making it through several surgeries without infection, Bethany was on her way to recovery with an unbelievably positive attitude. Just one month after the attack, she returned to the waters to pursue her dream of becoming a pro surfer.
Just over a year after the attack she made it to the 1st place in the Explorer Women’s division of the 2005 NSSA National Championships – winning her first National Title. In 2007, Bethany realized her dream and turned pro and has since participated in numerous ASP and World Tour Events with a major highlight being a second place finish in the ASP 2009 World Junior Championships. Bethany’s story has been told in hundreds of media outlets and she has been recognized with numerous awards, public appearances, and various speaking engagements.
Bethany Hamilton’s story inspires us to follow our dreams with determination and faith, and to never give up!