Bethany Hamilton: 13 Years After the Shark Attack That Changed Her Life

On October 31, 2003, 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton was surfing off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, when she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark. The shark bit off her left arm, just below the shoulder.

Hamilton survived the attack and went on to become a professional surfer, an inspiration to millions around the world. Her story has been told in the 2011 film "Soul Surfer," and she has written two books about her experience.

In the years since the attack, Hamilton has become an outspoken advocate for shark conservation. She believes that sharks are not inherently dangerous, and that they should be protected.

"Sharks are not monsters," Hamilton said in a 2017 interview. "They're just animals that are trying to survive."

Hamilton's story is a reminder that even the most traumatic events can be overcome. With determination and courage, anything is possible.

The Shark Attack

On the morning of October 31, 2003, Bethany Hamilton and her best friend, Alana Blanchard, were surfing off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii. The waves were small, and the water was warm.

Hamilton was sitting on her surfboard, waiting for a wave, when she felt something bump her leg. She looked down and saw a tiger shark circling her.

The shark lunged at Hamilton, biting her left arm. Hamilton screamed for help, but Blanchard was too far away to hear her.

The shark continued to bite at Hamilton's arm, tearing it off just below the shoulder. Hamilton lost a lot of blood, and she went into shock.

Blanchard finally heard Hamilton's screams and paddled over to help her. She used her surfboard to create a barrier between Hamilton and the shark, and she helped Hamilton to shore.

Hamilton was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent surgery to stop the bleeding and to repair her arm. She spent several weeks in the hospital, and she underwent months of rehabilitation.

The Aftermath

The shark attack had a profound impact on Hamilton's life. She lost her left arm, and she had to learn how to live with a disability.

But Hamilton did not give up on her dreams. She continued to surf, and she eventually became a professional surfer. She has also written two books about her experience, and she is a sought-after speaker.

Hamilton's story is an inspiration to millions around the world. She is a reminder that even the most traumatic events can be overcome. With determination and courage, anything is possible.

Bethany Hamilton's Legacy

Bethany Hamilton is a role model for people of all ages. She is a reminder that anything is possible, if you have the courage to follow your dreams.

Hamilton's story has inspired countless people to overcome their own challenges. She is a true hero, and her legacy will continue to inspire people for generations to come.

Timeline of Bethany Hamilton's Life

• 1990: Bethany Hamilton is born on Kauai, Hawaii.
• 2003: Hamilton is attacked by a shark while surfing off the coast of Kauai.
• 2004: Hamilton publishes her first book, "Soul Surfer."
• 2005: The film "Soul Surfer" is released.
• 2007: Hamilton publishes her second book, "Body and Soul."
• 2009: Hamilton becomes a professional surfer.
• 2013: Hamilton marries Adam Dirks.
• 2015: Hamilton gives birth to her first child, Tobias.
• 2018: Hamilton gives birth to her second child, Wesley.

Quotes from Bethany Hamilton

• "I don't want to be defined by what happened to me. I want to be defined by how I choose to respond to it."
• "I'm not going to let the shark control my life. I'm going to control my own life."
• "If you have a dream, don't let anything stop you from pursuing it. Not even a shark attack."

Table 1: Shark Attack Statistics

Source: International Shark Attack File

Table 2: Shark Attack Victims by Age Group

Source: International Shark Attack File

Table 3: Shark Attack Victims by Gender

Source: International Shark Attack File

Table 4: Shark Attack Victims by Location

Source: International Shark Attack File

Conclusion

Bethany Hamilton is a true inspiration. Her story is a reminder that anything is possible, if you have the courage to follow your dreams.