Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton (Google)

My hero is Bethany Hamilton. You may know her as a famous surfer, but she is more than just a famous surfer to me. Bethany Hamilton is an inspiration on my life and I'm sure many other young girls too. Her effort to never give up and follow your dreams around obstacles is a really incredible thing to me. As you learn more about her, I am sure that you will look at Bethany as more than just a great surfer, but also as a role model to never let anything get in the way of your dreams. (Bethany Hamilton, soul surfer, biography)

Bethany was born on February 8, 1990 into a family of surfers. She lived on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. She began surfing at an early age, and at the age of eight, she experienced her first competition called the Rell Sun Menehune event on Oahuï. At this surfing event she took first place in both the long and short board races. After entering these events she became interested in surfing. What she didn't know is that life was about to change for her while out surfing. (Bethany Hamilton, soul surfer, biography)

On October 31, 2003, at the age of thirteen Bethany encountered a shark attack. While out in the water of Kauai North Shore surfing a 14- foot tiger shark attacked her left arm. She lost 60% of her blood while waiting to get to the hospital. After her surgery doctors believe that she lived thanks to her faith in God, her strong attitude, and her passion for the water. Bethany no longer has a left arm, but is lucky to have lived to tell her story.(Bethany Hamilton, soul surfer, biography)

Bethany is so strong hearted about the water, and not letting things get her down, that only a month after her attack she returned to the water once again to surf. In 2004 she entered her first competition after the attack and took 5th place. Seeing that she could still surf she didn't just want to give up there, she wanted to get back to where she was before. So a year later she entered another competition to not only place, but to get first place at that. Bethany continued to live out her dream without a left arm and in 2007 she came pro. (Bethany Hamilton, soul surfer, biography)

Bethany Hamilton after attack (google)

Bethany Hamilton is a 21 year old that has taken a disadvantage in life and still had faith, hope and determination to not give up. What an inspiration to people all around the world. It shows us that just because life throws you curve balls and things don't always work out to your advantage, that you should never give up and always follow your dream. That is why Bethany Hamilton is my hero and a good role model.(Bethany Hamilton, soul surfer, biography)