Born in Hawaii in 1990, Bethany Hamilton has become a household name in the surfing world. Often praised as one of the greatest comeback stories of our time, the remarkable surfer has become synonymous with bravery and inspiration. Her tale of resolve, hope and motivation has touched hearts and encouraged millions.

When she was just 13, well on her way to becoming a professional surfer, Hamilton suffered a heartbreaking tragedy; she lost her left arm to a tiger shark. For many people, this would signal the end of a career in surfing. Hamilton, however, could not be beat – she returned to the water just one month after the attack. Within two years, she won her first national surfing title. At only 17 years old, the inspiring athlete fulfilled her dream of surfing professionally and is still an active competitor in the sport today.

Bethany Hamilton now participates as a professional surfer in the free surfing arena (chasing waves and getting media and videos published). She also competes in World Surf League (WSL) touring events, and in 2016 she beat a 6-time reigning world champion and the top-ranked surfer in the world at a major WSL competition. Hamilton also works as an author and motivational speaker, inspiring others to be determined in the face of adversity.

By conquering some of the toughest trials a person can go through and persistently chasing her passion, Bethany Hamilton has become one of the leading professional surfers of all time and was inducted into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame in 2017.