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Bethany Hamilton

by Kate from Loveland

Bethany with surfboard that she got injured on
Bethany with surfboard that she got injured on


Heroes are everywhere. Many heroes are just ordinary people. Heroes can be friends, family, and neighbors -- for everyone can be a hero. In my case, Bethany Hamilton is a hero. Hamilton is an inspirational Christian athlete who courageously returned to surfing after losing an arm in a shark attack while surfing. She is determined, full of courage, and selfless. That is what makes her my hero.

Hamilton in action
Hamilton in action

Bethany shows determination everyday. Hamilton grew up in Kauai with the ocean and surfboards nearby. As a little girl with an amazing talent at surfing, Bethany formed a dream in her heart of becoming a professional surfer. She was living her life as many young girls did, until a day in October of 2003. That day, when she was out surfing as usual, a shark took a large bite out of her board taking Bethany's left arm also. Bethany Hamilton almost died that day. While in recovery, Bethany was scared in her heart like anyone would be, but did not let it affect her need to return back into the water. After the attack with a shark, Bethany was determined with a pure passion to continue doing the things she loved most: surfing and helping others. One month after she lost her arm, she was back in the ocean to continue her dream of becoming a professional surfer. A year after the tragedy, Bethany won her first national title. In 2007, Bethany's dream continued to come true. She has participated in several ASP and World Tour Events. She is a hero to thousands of people all over the world including me.

Bethany and her husband Adam
Bethany and her husband Adam

It takes courage to live a life without an arm and to continue your passion after a tragedy. Hamilton showed everyone that fear could not keep her from doing something that she enjoyed. Even when something as terrible as losing an arm occurred, Bethany Hamilton had the courage to enter back into the water where many sharks still lurk. When most people would feel bad for themselves, Bethany made the best of what God had allowed to happen. Since she has a missing arm, Bethany is able to understand and help disabled people through the Make-A-Wish Foundation that grants the wishes of children that have life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Bethany grows closer to God by being part of the Christian Surfers International that helps bring together a group of people who love to surf and love Jesus. Bethany doesn't try to hide the fact that she has a missing limb, and she doesn't show it off to make people feel bad for her. She is a reminder that everything good or bad has a purpose.

Bethany is also a selfless person with a heart for helping out others. Hamilton has teamed up with the Christian humanitarian agency World Vision to help raise money for disabled kids from all over the world. She also helps amputees and other shark attack survivors through her non profit foundation, Friends of Bethany. Bethany uses the loss of a limb to inspire others and give motivational talks everyday.

Hamilton often inspires others to keep on going no matter what stands in their way. Looking at Bethany's life, anyone can see that she doesn't give up. When I look at everything Bethany has done, I think about what I would have done if I was put in a similar situation. Imagine the courage it took to get back into a water full of sharks that have taken one of your limbs. "It's only an arm," she said, "there is so much more to life than physical appearance." She proves that she can overcome injuries and still keep on living life. Bethany Hamilton is a role model that proves God has a purpose for everything. That is what makes her my hero.

Page created on 3/11/2014 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 3/11/2014 12:00:00 AM

The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.

Related Links

Bethany - Bethany's website.
Wikipedia - The free encyclopedia.
Hawaii News Now - Article on how Bethany is making a difference.
The Christian Post - Bethany speaks at National Prayer Breakfast.
Liberty University - Bethany's testimony at the university.