-
Birth
Bethany Hamilton was born in Lihue, Hawaii. -
Beginnings
When she was 8, Hamilton started surfing. -
First sponsor
One year later, she gained her first sponsorship for her surfing skills. -
Shark attack
Bethany Hamilton went surfing with her best friend Alana and her family, Hamilton was attacked by a tiger shark that hurt her right below her shoulder. She was taken to hospital and underwent surgery that saved her life, but she lost her left arm. -
Back to the sea
Just 26 days after the shark attack, Hamilton started surfing again. -
ESPY Award for Best Comeback Athlete
In 2004, Hamilton won this award for her quick recovery and her amazing ability to surf in spite of having just one arm. -
Her book
In 2004, MTV Books published her autobiography "Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board". -
First competition
Hamilton joins her first major competion just a few months after losing an arm. -
NSSA National Competition
Hamilton wins this competition at the age of 15. -
The first woman surfer in the Rip Curl Cup
In 2012, she became the first woman to surf in the Rip Curl Cup. -
Wedding
Hamilton marries Adam Dirks, a young minister.