Bethany Hamilton

Despite Bethany Hamilton’s near fatal shark attack, she continues to be one of the world’s greatest surfers. Bethany Hamilton was born on February 8th, 1990, in North Shore, Kauai. Bethany resided in Princeville, Kauai, with her two older brothers, Noah and Timmy, and her parents, Tom and Cheri. Her whole family grew up surfing, or participating in water sports. Both of her parents grew up surfing, and instilled a love for surfing into her and all of her siblings.

Bethany Surfing in a Contest (www.bethanyhamilton.com)

On October 31, 2003, Bethany awoke early to surf. Her mother dropped her off with her friend Alana Blanchard, Alana’s father; and Alana’s brother. It was early in the morning, so sharks were still roaming the shore areas. Bethany was waiting for the perfect wave, and while she was waiting, a 14-foot long shark attacked. The shark ate a piece of her favorite surfboard, and was later caught, and killed. As a result of this horrifying event, Bethany Hamilton lost her left arm. Even while she was in the hospital, the support she received was a tremendous amount.

Before Hamilton lost her arm, she was a very accomplished surfer; even at an early age. At age 7, she won the Quicksilver 7-9 short board, and 7-9 long board competitions. After her attack, she won various awards for her courage and her bravery, including the ESPY Award for Best Comeback Athlete. Among the others she received, the most notable are; the USSA Courage Award, and the Courage/Bravery award at the Teen Choice Awards.

Bethany volunteering in Nicaragua (www.bethanyhamilton.com)

Bethany Hamilton demonstrated heroism when she continued to believe in herself after the attack. Only a few weeks after Hamilton’s attack, she got up enough courage to get back onto the board. After multiple attempts, she hopped up on the board a different way, and she surfed a couple of waves. Bethany Hamilton also showed heroism when she continued to keep herself moving after the attack.

I feel that Bethany Hamilton’s life teaches people to keep going even when your situations aren’t always easy. After her attack, she continued on her path to greatness. She was completely determined to be the best surfer she could possibly be. Bethany Hamilton continues to surf, and is a well recognized athlete within her community and throughout the world.