Bethany Hamilton

(www.gospelherald.com)

"Life is a lot like surfing. when you get caught in the impact zone, you've got to just get back up. Because you never know what might be over the next wave." This quote by Bethany Hamilton demonstrates her perseverance in life and in her surfing career. Nothing could stop her from achieving her goal of being a professional surfer. When Bethany Hamilton was just 13 years old she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark and tragically lost her left arm. Just one month after the brutal attack, she was back in the ocean taking on wave after wave. Bethany Hamilton overcame many challenges after becoming disabled. Even though Hamilton lost her arm, she was still able to become a successful professional surfer and persevere in life through sheer determination.

(www.insidesocal.com)

Bethany Hamilton was born in Hawaii on February 8, 1990 to parents Cherri and Tom. She has two older brothers, Timmy and Noah. Hamilton grew up surrounded by a family of surfers. Hamilton was on a surfboard at just 8 months old and practically lived in the water. When Hamilton was eight years old she started to surf competitively. By age 9 she had earned her first sponsor, Rip Curl. In 2003, Hamilton's life was changed forever when she was attacked by a shark. During the attack she lost 60% of her blood, but made a successful recovery due to multiple surgeries. The doctors told her there was little chance of her surfing again. That was unacceptable to Hamilton. She couldn't imagine a life without surfing. Not only did Hamilton learn to surf again; within two short years of the attack she was competing for a national championship.

(www.theinertia.com)

Hamilton continued to succeed as a professional surfer because of her grit. "Bethany knew there were other sharks in the ocean, but she refused to let them scare her" ("Shark Tale: Bethany Hamilton"). Even though she knew her attackers still roamed the ocean floors it didn't stop her from continuing to live her passion. She was determined to learn how to surf again and to compete as a surfer. "The very next year, Hamilton competed in and won the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) National Championships" ("Bethany Hamilton" Bethany). Bethany Hamilton worked hard to learn how to surf with one arm and gain all of her strength back. She worked out extensively every day, including lots of one-arm push-ups. Hamilton had a hard time controlling the board at first, so her dad built a handle for her on the front of her board to help her get under the waves. She also had to learn how to kick more to compensate for the loss of her arm. Even though Hamilton's competitors had an advantage of two arms, she was able to prove her strength and natural talent by winning a National Championship. Hamilton's determination helped her to succeed as a surfer and in life.

(www.variety.com)

Bethany Hamilton never let her disability get in the way of accomplishing her goals. Hamilton wanted to continue to be involved with her church and her family as they were such an important part of her life. She participated in youth groups and went on church trips to help charities and children in need. Hamilton wasn't shy about the attention that she got after the accident and she often used it to help others. Even though she looked different, she always kept a positive attitude and was a great role model for others. Hamilton had to overcome a lot of challenges in her daily life, but she could not stay away from the water; surfing was her passion. "Even more important, Hamilton demonstrated that the loss of an arm was no obstacle to fulfilling her surfing goals" (Ott). Most people would give up after such a tragic loss but because of Hamilton's passion, she never lost hope. Sometimes other surfers looked down on her because she was disabled, but she proved she was just like the others. "One month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water and within 2 years had won her first National title" (Hamilton). Hamilton showed the world that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Her passion for surfing and love of the ocean was so great that nothing could stop her. Even though she didn't have an arm she was still able to compete at high level without her disability getting in the way. Hamilton proved to the world that people with disabilities can do anything if they put their mind to it.

(www.lifenews.com)

Bethany Hamilton is an inspirational person because of her determination and focus on achieving her goals regardless of her disability. "Despite the shark attack, Hamilton maintained a positive outlook. Her agent/manager, Roy Hofstetter, told Duncan Campbell of Observer Sports Magazine, 'The main purpose is ... to use her own experience to help others. She wants to talk about women surfing and about her faith. She does not want to be called brave or a heroine or anything, she just wants to be natural with people around the world' " (Bethany Hamilton. Gale). Even though she had the tragic loss of a limb, she still maintained a positive attitude. Most people would mope about the fact that they had lost an arm, but instead, Hamilton was out in the water, determined to reach her goals. Additionally, "Bethany is involved in numerous charitable efforts, including her own foundation, Friends of Bethany, which reaches out to amputees and youth, encouraging a broken world by offering hope to overcome through Jesus Christ" (Hamilton). Bethany Hamilton is very interested in helping other amputees know that they can reach their dreams too. She also knows that she is a role model for young girls and can help show them what a positive attitude can do in the face of adversity. Bethany Hamilton has shown how to take a tragic experience and turn it into something very good. Bethany Hamilton is an inspiration to me as she has shown how determination, perseverance and a positive attitude can help someone overcome challenges and be a success in life.