Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton surfing (on google (someone who entered at my hero.com))

For my project I have chosen Bethany Hamilton for my hero because she never gave up and continued to live her dream of surfing and inspired millions along the way. Slowly, her impossible task was achieved and she is living an exciting life as a surfer. So here is Bethany's story.

Bethany Meilani Hamilton was born in Kauai Hawaii on February 8,1990.  After practicing surfing with her family she then ventured into her first competition at the age of eight. The competition took place at  The Rell Sun Menehune, and that is where she won her first short and long board competitions. Right then and there she developed her passion for surfing.

Bethany in the water ( successmagazine.com(successmagazine.com))

On October 31, 2003 Bethany decided that it was a great time for surfing, good waves and always perfect weather. Bethany was in the water with other people farther away just waiting for a good wave to come rumbling her way on Kauai's North Shore. But unexpectedly a huge 14 foot shark made its attack on the helpless Bethany Hamilton, ripping her arm clean off in the process. She was then rushed to the hospital immediately, to find out she lost 60 percent of her blood.  Bethany then made it through many surgeries with a surprisingly positive attitude. 

When Bethany got home from the hospital she had to learn to cope without her arm. Things like pulling over her shirt, cooking, and especially surfing, were now difficult for her. She had to learn different ways to do things. But Bethany pushed through her challenges to eventually learn to surf again. Bethany did not give up, she fell over and over again off of her board but got back on and she finally caught a wave again and decided to enter another surf competition, placing 5th in the open women's division. By practicing day after day she  then placed first in The Explorers Womens Division of the 2005 NSSA National Championships, which means she had won her first National title.  By doing this, she regained her confidence and realized her dream of surfing.

Bethany Meilani Hamilton lived up to her potential and is now a professional surfer. She is an inspiration to me as well as millions of others, who value her strength and courage as I do. In the end, Bethany is my hero.