Bethany Meilani Hamilton

Bethany and her board after the attack (Croydesurfcam)

Bethany Hamilton grew up on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii. Having parents who surf, she was introduced to the surfboard as a toddler. By the age of seven, she was surfing on her own. Since then, her surfing has blossomed into professional talent. She has been competing since she was eight and is now a professional surfer. She is known worldwide, not only for her incredible surfing ability, but also for the fact that she does it with only one arm.

On Halloween in 2003, thirteen-year old Bethany and her friend Alana were floating on their boards, resting from early morning surfing. Bethany's left arm was hanging in the water when suddenly she glimpsed a grey blur and felt a tugging on her upper arm. She was being attacked by a shark. With help from Alana's dad and brother, she was quickly rushed to the hospital. When friends and family learned that she had lost her left arm, they thought her surfing life was over. Who ever heard of surfing with one arm? Bethany, however, wouldn't let her "disability" stop her from doing what she loved.

As soon as she was able, Bethany was training to get back in shape for surfing again. Less than a month after the attack, she was ready to hit the waves again. As she rode her first wave all the way to shore, she knew only God could have allowed her to make such a comeback. Once again, her dream of becoming a professional surfer seemed possible. Bethany has used this example to show others to persevere even through tough times and situations. She has turned something bad into a story of courage, faith, and perseverance.