Born in Lihue, Hawaii, on Feb 8, 1990, Bethany Hamilton loved surfing. Bethany first hopped on a surfboard when she was only three. The young surfer’s talent on the surfboard allowed her to compete at just eight years old. However, the unthinkable happened to Hamilton in 2003, when she was 13. The competitive surfer went for a morning surf when a shark attacked her.

Hamilton was lying on her surfboard and speaking to her friend Alana Blanchard when a massive tiger shark bit off her left arm. However, not only did Hamilton recover, she showed incredible resilience during her recovery. Only a month after the attack, Hamilton began surfing again. During a 2018 interview, Bethany revealed how she overcame trauma so peacefully.

Finding faith in a higher power

In 2018, Bethany Hamilton appeared in Fare Game with Kristine Leahy. During the interview, Leahy asked Bethany how people’s first impression of the pro surfer was her being a shark attack survivor. “How often does that day come up for you?” asked Leahy. However, Bethany answered she didn’t think about it unless someone else brings it up.

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“I am like so thankful because I’ve healed completely from like my fear and like the trauma of that day,” said Bethany. “I live freely,” the pro surfer also added. Hearing her answer, Kristine admired Hamilton’s resilience. She also asked the inspirational, “Is there something specific that stands out to you most, even in just, maybe, the way that you handled it?”

“I didn’t even hardly cry,” said Bethany. Her faith in god played a crucial role, said, Bethany. “I was at peace that like God was in control of the situation,” she told the host. “Even at that young age like I just knew that it was going to be okay,” explained Bethany. Although she had a “crazy accident,” Bethany refused to give up hope. “I was just thankful to be alive,” she said.

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Bethany’s resilience, willpower, and faith inspired many. In 2004, she won the prestigious ESPY award for Best Comeback Athlete. She also won a Teen Choice Award for her courage.

A survivor and a surfing champion

Bethany didn’t just inspire people with her words. She defied all expectations to become a surfing champion. In 2004, Hamilton participated in the NSSA National Competition in Australia and won. She won the following year as well. Since then, Bethany has participated in at least one competition every year.

The pro surfer has won many or placed in the top 10 in most competitions. In 2022, Hamilton secured 9th place in the Binalong Pipeline Pro and 4th place in the Destination Women’s Pro. 

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At 32, Hamilton remains an inspiration for many.