Bethany Hamilton

bethany hamilton after her attact (http://www.stylebistro.com/lookbook/Bethany+Hamilton/RLfrm-2gv7O ())

            October 31, 2003 a young 13 year old girl was attacked by 14 foot tiger shark near North Shore. One would never expect that young girl later in her life become a pro surfer with only one arm. Bethany Hamilton is one of the best pro women's surfers around the world.  She began surfing at the age of 7 with her brothers Noah and Timothy.  She got very interested in the sport and she decided to compete in tournaments at the age of 8. And a few years later at the age of 13, she was nominated as one of the best amateurs in the United States. She competed in a competition called "Rip Curl" and signed a sponsorship deal with that company. Bethany became a national champion two years after the shark attack. Despite Bethany's loss of her arm she still has the drive to surf today. Bethany expresses bravery, being morally strong, and determination. She shows all this by winning competitions with only one arm, and by letting people know about her lives story, and giving back to God for saving her life.

     Bethany expresses her being brave by having the courage to get back into surfing with a positive attitude. Even after Bethany's attack, she had a choice of leaving surfing behind. But she knew deep down inside herself she wanted more out of herself. Hamilton wanted to be the pro surfer she knew she could be. "Miraculously, just one month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water to continue pursuing her goal to become a professional surfer. In January of 2004, Bethany made her return to surf competition; placing 5th in the Open Women's division of that contest." (Bethany Hamilton "Bethany Hamilton Soul surfer"). This quote shows how Bethany overcame the fear of getting back in the water. She was not going to let the attack get in the way of her dreams of surfing. Bethany had the choice of going back to surfing or dropping the sport.  Once Bethany decided she was for certain going to get back in the water, she experienced a few difficulties along the way. "Despite the difficulties, Hamilton wouldn't stay out of the ocean for long. Around Thanksgiving, just four weeks after the accident, she and her family headed for a secluded beach, and she once again stepped into the water." ("Bethany Hamilton." Web.ebsco.com). This quote shows how brave Bethany was to peruse her dreams of becoming a professional surfer, even if that meant getting back in the water. She was brave enough to get back in even if she knew about the danger of sharks. Bethany is still surfing and not afraid to get in the water. Bethany Hamilton expresses being brave by her telling her loved ones of her dream of becoming pro. Even if that means working extensively for Bethany's long term goals and dreams.  

Surfing with Pride (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/jun/28/bethany-hamilton-surfing)

        Bethany's moral strength helped her through her shark attack.  She believes God helped her during and even after the attack. Bethany is interested in her Christian faith, even on the day of her accident she believed God helped her and even saved her life. "Lifeguards and doctors believe her strong water sense and faith in God helped get her through the traumatic ordeal." (Bethany Hamilton "Bethany Hamilton Soul surfer"). This quote shows how Bethany never gave up on her life when she was attacked. She is very connected to her Christian faith and believed God would take care of her life during this tragic event. Bethany expressed being morally strong by never giving up on her life during the shark attack. Today she still shares how God never gave up on her soul when she was attacked and still watches over her today.  Bethany is a caring person to all supports such as family, friends, even fans. She wants people to realize her story is powerful and should be known to not just surfers but beach goers as well. "I was going to need help from someone much bigger than myself if I was ever going to get back in the water" (700 Club "Guest Profiles and Interviews on the 700 Club). This quote shows Bethany is morally strong by wanting to show people if she could do it you could achieve any goal you set your mind to. Bethany wanted to show to everyone that being morally strong is the most important part of her whole experience. Bethany never let anything get in the way of her dreams. She even believed God is her reason for still being alive today. She also wants to show people she is more about her life over all in spite of the loss of her arm. She wants people to see her as normal and a pro surfer. Bethany expressed being morally strong means a lot to her. She believes she could have not made it out of the shark attack without Gods help.

       Bethany expresses determination by not letting anyone get in the way of her dreams. She showed this by getting back in the water when she got her stitches out of her arm. She did not have to get back in the water but she felt she had to show everyone she could do it. After Bethany injury she still had the drive to surf, but that meant having to change a few things along the way. "Despite her injury, Hamilton wanted to surf again right away. However, she first had to recover, and then learn how to balance on a surfboard in a new way." ("Bethany Hamilton." Gale Biography in Context.) This quote shoes how Bethany was determined to get on her board again. Though that meant taking a couple of falls along the way.  It took Bethany everything she had to learn how to surf again. She would not let anything stop her from doing it. Even though Bethany had to learn how to surf in a new way, it never stopped her. Bethany would not let her one arm be a road block in her life. All Bethany knew was things would get better as time would pass. Once Bethany finally got the hang of surfing with one arm, she decided to enter some competitions. "In 2007, Bethany realized her dream and turned pro. Bethany has since participated in numerous ASP and World Tour Events with her major highlight being a second place finish in the ASP 2009 World Junior Championships." (Hamilton, Bethany "Bethany Hamilton Soul Surfer). This quote shows how Bethany even after her attack decided to suck it up and never let go of her dream. Her getting back into competitions shows her determination and drive. Bethany was determined to show not only herself, but others around her that losing her arm is not a big deal. She never gave up once when things were hard, and she never gave up on life. Despite how people look at Bethany, it never stopped her from anything; she expresses determination by her positive attitude of never letting go of her dreams of becoming a pro surfer. Bethany wanted to show people there is more to her that meets the eye.

     Through all Bethany has been through, she has been strong, brave, and determined to live a normal life as best as she can. She has taught us all how to push through everything and to never give up on what you desire. "When she reached the age of nine, it was clear that she was becoming a major talent in the sport. Hamilton soon signed her first sponsorship deal, with Rip Curl USA." ("Bethany Hamilton." Gale Biography in Context.)  This quote shows Bethany and her family pushed through it all even when times got hard. Bethany inspires me and many others even if you have been though life changing events to never give up and to push through it all. She has also inspired me to never let go of my dreams, and to never let road blocks get in the way of my life. -"Hamilton began surfing again about three weeks later, and competed for the first time in early 2004. She finished fifth in her age group at the Open Women's Division of the National Scholastic Surfing Association meet in Hawaii." ("Bethany Hamilton." Gale Biography in Context.)   Bethany's attack not only showed the world her drive and devotion but she also showed herself.  Bethany has also taught me even with my own personal disability that I can overcome the roadblocks that enter my life.  

  700 Club. "Guess Profiles and Interviews on The 700 Club." Guest Bios and Interviews.

            Christian Broadcasting Network, 2012. Web.11 May 2012

            http://www.cbn/700club/guests.

"Bethany Hamilton." Gale Biography in Context. Detroit: Gale, 2005. Gale Biography In

            In Context. Web.7 May 2012.

"Bethany Hamilton." Web.ebsco.com. Biography Refrence Center, 2012. Web. 7 May 2012

Hamilton, Bethany. "Bethany Hamilton Soul Surfer, Professional Surfer, Role Model,

            Inspiration."  2010.

           Web. 11 May 2012. http://www.bethanyhamilton.com/