Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton is a professional American surfer, born on February 8, 1990, in Lihue, Hawaii. Despite losing her left arm in a shark attack at the age of 13, she has become one of the most inspirational figures in sports. Hamilton returned to professional surfing just one year after the incident and has since won multiple surfing competitions.

Hamilton is known for her resilience, determination, and extraordinary surfing skills. She has won numerous awards and is a popular motivational speaker. Aside from her professional career, Hamilton is also recognized for her philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Born and raised in Hawaii, surfing was a natural part of Hamilton's life from a young age. She started competing professionally in her early teens.

Shark Attack and Recovery

• Hamilton was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing off Kauai's North Shore in October 2003, resulting in the loss of her left arm. Just one year after the attack, Hamilton returned to professional surfing.

Return to Surfing

• Hamilton's return to professional surfing after her recovery was met with widespread admiration. She won her first National title in 2005. Her story of resilience and determination to continue surfing has been a source of inspiration for many.

Present

• Hamilton continues to surf professionally and participate in international surfing competitions. She also works as a motivational speaker, sharing her story and promoting a message of resilience and faith.

Professional Surfing Career

• Hamilton has competed in numerous international surfing competitions, continually proving that her skills and determination are not limited by her physical condition.

• Position: Professional surfer.
• Skills: Known for her exceptional surfing skills, resilience, and determination. Hamilton's ability to compete at a high level despite her physical condition is widely respected and admired.

• Family: Hamilton is married to Adam Dirks, and they have two sons together.
• Philanthropy: Hamilton is involved in various charitable activities, including her own foundation, Friends of Bethany, which supports shark attack survivors and amputees.

• Bethany Hamilton is celebrated not only for her surfing skills and competitive achievements but also for her ability to overcome personal adversity. Her story of resilience, faith, and determination has inspired millions of people around the world.

Surfing Awards:

• Winner of the 2004 ESPY Award for Best Comeback Athlete
• Winner of the 2005 NSSA National Championships

Inspirational Honors:

• Inducted into the Surfers' Hall of Fame in 2017
• Her autobiography 'Soul Surfer' was adapted into a feature film in 2011

Books

• Hamilton, B. (2004) Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board. New York: MTV Books.
• Berk, S. (2014) Body and Soul: A Girl's Guide to a Fit, Fun and Fabulous Life. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Websites

• Bethany Hamilton: Official site with updates on Hamilton’s performance and records. Available at: https://bethanyhamilton.com
• World Surf League: Information about Bethany Hamilton’s professional surfing career. Available at: https://www.worldsurfleague.com

Articles

• ESPN: Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable. Available at: https://www.espn.com/espnw/culture/article/27181396/bethany-hamilton-unstoppable
• The Guardian: Bethany Hamilton: 'I don't need easy, I just need possible'. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jul/22/bethany-hamilton-surfing-shark-attack-unstoppable

Documentaries

• Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable (2018): Directed by Aaron Lieber. This documentary provides a detailed look at Hamilton’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.