Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton is my hero because she keeps on going and never gives up! She was just in the water doing what she loved when a 14 ft. tiger shark came and bite her arm completely off! But this didn't stop her. She got back on her board and back in the water within a month of the shark attack, and continued to do what she loved. She also encourages others never to give up, and to keep doing what they love.

Bethany Hamilton was born on February 8, 1990 in Kauai, Hawaii. She has two brothers, and two very encouraging parents. She started surfing as a toddler, and soon entered her first surfing competition at the age of 8, in the Rell Sun Menehune surfing contest. By the age of 13 she entered her first professional surfing contest in the Open Woman's Division of the national championship (NSSA) and placed 2nd!

Bethany after the attack

While she was surfing with her friends on October 31, Bethany's surfing was quickly interrupted when a 14 ft. tiger shark came and bit her arm completely off! She was shocked but she knew she had to swim to shore and get help. With some help from God and her friends she made it back to shore. The ambulance soon came and rushed her to the hospital. She had lost 60% of her blood and had to go through major surgeries, but soon recovered.

A couple months later, in January 2004, she entered the NSSA again but this time she entered the contest with only one arm. This didn't stop her! The judges agreed to give her a 5 minute head start but she refused. She did not want any special privileges. Even though it was very difficult for her to get on her board, she still placed 5th.

Bethany's board from the attack

In July of 2004 Bethany won the 2004 ESPY award for best "come-back" athlete. Within the next year Bethany Hamilton won three more awards. She has been noticed all around the world for her bravery and courage. She encourages people that you can do anything with God's help. Bethany Hamilton is a very brave and courageous person, that can do anything if she believes she can!