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Bethany Hamilton

by Corrina from Oro Medonte

Bethany Waxing her board (library.thinkquest.org)
Bethany Waxing her board (library.thinkquest.org)

Imagine; taking first place in the NSSA National Championship, competing full time on the ASP world qualifying series, winning third up against the best women surfers in the world , winning awards for bravery and hope, even being interviewed by people like Oprah and Ellen DeGeneres. Now imagine doing all of this with only one arm. Bethany Hamilton is a young girl who has experienced major set backs in her life and although she lost her arm she still surfs, encourages and inspires people to push towards their dreams. A very insightful person once said, "When the world says, 'give up,' hope whispers 'try one more time.'" This is exactly what Bethany Hamilton did.

Bethany Hamilton was born and raised in one of the best places to surf in the world: Hawaii. Her entire family loves to surf and she has known how since she was about 5 years old. On one ordinary day: October 31st, 2003, she went out surfing with her friend Alana Blanchard along Tunnels Beach, Kauai. She was paddling out with her left arm dangling in the water when she suddenly felt a tug on her board. Instantly she knew what was happening. A 14 foot Tiger Shark had ripped her arm off. Bethany's friend immediately swam her to the shore, where Alana's dad and brother fashioned a tourniquet to her arm that they made from a surfboard leash. They drove Bethany to the nearest hospital where she was rushed in for immediate surgery. Bethany spent six more days recovering in the hospital. Then amazingly, three weeks later she was out surfing again.

Bethany With her Board (http://library.thinkquest.org)
Bethany With her Board (http://library.thinkquest.org)

She was set to surf again on Thanksgiving, but she just couldn't wait. A day early, Bethany finally got back into the water. That day was a turning point in Bethany Hamilton's life. After trying and trying, refusing any one's help, Bethany got up on her third wave, it wasn't very big or thrilling, but to Bethany it was the best wave she had ever been on. Her dad once said, "This is not something you can teach, some people have it, and some people don't. Bethany definitely has it."

Since the attack Bethany has participated in many major competitions such as the Billabong Junior Championship, and the Rip Curl Malibu Pro Competition. Bethany has never let the fear of sharks and the attack keep her from chasing her dreams. She has been the recipient of many awards including the Best Comeback Athlete award, and a special courage award at the teen choice awards 2004. She has also written a book called "Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to get back on the Board", she's working on a movie based on her life story, "Heart of A Soul Surfer," and she has her own line of jewelry and surfing accessories.

Bethany Hamilton has a positive attitude towards everything she does. Bethany has told her story in interviews with Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres, and Fox news. Bethany is also involved with World Vision charity. In a recent visit to Folsom Church, Bethany spoke to a group of adolescent girls about subjects like faith, hope, God, and perseverance to achieve their goals. Bethany believes that she should give back to the world.

During an interview after her attack the reporter asked, "Do you think that you will ever surf again?" Bethany thought for a moment and replied with a serious face, "Think? I KNOW that I will surf again." The attack was not the end of Bethany's surfing career, just the beginning of a new book. That is what makes Bethany Hamilton a hero to me and many other people around the world.

Page created on 4/18/2009 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 4/18/2009 12:00:00 AM

The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.

Related Links

Bethany Hamilton - This is Bethany's personal site, it includes photos, messages, and a latest update on her competitions
Bethany Hamilton Movie- Soul surfer - Bethany Hamilton- Soul Surfer is Bethany's documentry this website gives you the details on her movie.
Bethany Hamilton- Rip Curl Team - Bethany Hamilton is part on the National Rip Curl Team, along with her best friend Alana Blanchard; who helped save her from the shark attack
 

Author Info

"A hero is one who knows how to hang on one minute longer." - Novalis