When Bethany Hamilton was just 13-years-old, she was surfing off the coast of Hawaii when a shark attacked her, biting off her entire arm. She thought she would never be able to compete as a surfer again but through dedication, strength and love from her loved ones, this incredible girl rose over her tragedy.
Bethany started surfing again as soon as she was able. After regaining her balance on the board, she began to compete again. And she is thriving in competitions. More specifically, in the most recent World Surf League’s Fiji Women’s Pro. Entering as the underdog, wildcard, the one-armed surfer triumphed over a six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore, and Tyler Wright, the top-ranked female surfer in the world; finishing in third place! It also qualified her for the semi-finals in Tavarua, Fiji.
Image via washingtonpost
Beyond stoked to finish 3rd in the #FijiPro as the wildcard! LOVED competing & looking forward to more adventures!!! pic.twitter.com/HOMhAEXnjb
– Bethany Hamilton (@bethanyhamilton) May 31, 2016
.@bethanyhamilton ready to roll. Coming up next!! Tune into the #FijiPro now. pic.twitter.com/GeaGAmRAEh
– Rip Curl (@ripcurl) May 30, 2016
Though she didn’t finish on top, she ended up losing to Johanne Defay of France, Bethany couldn’t have been more honored and happy to have the chance to compete and show off her skills. And if that moment wasn’t sweet enough, the event came almost exactly a year after giving birth to her son, Tobias, with husband Adam Dirks.
Image via dqndusk8a84ol.cloudfront.net
Bethany could have easily given up her dream and passion, but she refused to quit. And because of that, she is one of the top competitors in pro surfing.
Her message of perseverance is priceless. Share it with your friends today!
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