Born: 1990 (Lihue, Hawaii)
Biography:
Bethany Meilani Hamilton is an American professional surfer and writer who has inspired millions with her incredible story of resilience and determination. Born on February 8, 1990, in Lihue, Hawaii, Bethany grew up with a passion for surfing and spent countless hours riding the waves of her picturesque hometown.
At the age of eight, Bethany began competing in surfing competitions, showcasing remarkable talent and determination. By the time she was ten years old, Bethany had gained her first sponsorship, and it seemed that her future in surfing was boundless.
However, on October 31, 2003, tragedy struck when Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot-long tiger shark while surfing alongside her best friend, Alana Blanchard, and members of Blanchard’s family. The shark bit off her left arm just below the shoulder, causing her to lose over 60% of her blood and leaving her in a state of hypovolemic shock.
Despite the devastating loss of her arm, Bethany showed incredible resilience and a relentless spirit. Thanks to the quick actions of her companions, she was brought back to shore and rushed to Wilcox Memorial Hospital. Bethany’s father, who was scheduled for knee surgery that same morning, joined her in the operating room.
News of the shark attack created shockwaves around the world, and it was during this time that a family of fishermen presented investigators with photos of a 14-foot-long tiger shark they had caught and killed near the attack site. The shark had surfboard debris in its mouth, and when its measurements were compared to those of Bethany’s broken board, they matched.
Amidst her recovery, Bethany faced countless physical and emotional challenges. However, with unwavering faith and the support of her family and community, she persevered. Just one month after the attack, Bethany was already back in the water, learning how to surf with one arm and adapting her technique to accommodate her new reality.
As she continued to rebuild her strength, Bethany’s surfing career experienced a remarkable resurgence. In 2005, she won her first national title at the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) nationals, showcasing her incredible skill and inspiring others with her determination.
Bethany’s story of triumph over adversity attracted widespread attention and admiration. Her 2004 autobiography, Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board, captured the hearts of readers around the world. The book was later adapted into the 2011 feature film, Soul Surfer, starring AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany.
In addition to her incredible accomplishments in the surfing world, Bethany is also a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for various causes. She has used her platform and her own experiences to inspire others, particularly individuals with disabilities, to pursue their dreams and never give up.
Bethany’s story was further explored in the 2018 documentary, Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable. This film delves into her journey beyond surfing, highlighting her marriage to Adam Dirks and the challenges she faced as a professional surfer balancing marriage and motherhood.
Despite the obstacles she has faced, Bethany continues to surf professionally and compete in major competitions. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the extraordinary things that can be achieved with unwavering determination.
Awards:
– 2005 National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) National Champion