American · Paia, USA · Born 19 February 1990American professional surfer who returned to competitive surfing after losing her left arm in a shark attack at age 13 in 2003.
Born in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, to parents Tom and Cheri Hamilton, Bethany Meilani Hamilton began surfing at age five and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent on her home island's renowned waves. Growing up in a family of surfers, she competed in her first surf competition at age eight and won her first sponsorship deal by age nine. Her early promise positioned her as one of Hawaii's most gifted young surfers before tragedy struck on October 31, 2003, when a 14-foot tiger shark severed her left arm while she surfed at Tunnels Beach. She was just 13 years old. Remarkably, Hamilton returned to competitive surfing within one month of the attack, adapting her technique to surf with one arm. Her comeback peaked in 2005 when she won the NSSA National Championships, proving her ability to compete at the highest amateur levels. She turned professional and competed on the World Surf League's Qualifying Series and Championship Tour, achieving notable results including fifth place at the Pipeline Women's Pro in 2014. Hamilton also excelled in big wave surfing, earning recognition for her performances at legendary breaks like Pipeline and Teahupo'o. Hamilton's achievements extend beyond competitive results to cultural impact. Her autobiography "Soul Surfer" became a bestseller, later adapted into a major motion picture in 2011 starring AnnaSophia Robb. She has won multiple ESPY Awards, including Best Comeback Athlete, and received numerous humanitarian honors for her inspirational work. Hamilton founded the nonprofit Friends of Bethany to support shark attack survivors and amputee athletes while continuing to surf professionally into her thirties. Hamilton transformed from promising young competitor to global ambassador for perseverance and adaptive sports. Her influence transcends surfing, inspiring athletes across all disciplines while challenging perceptions about disability in professional sports. Through her continued presence in big wave competitions and mentorship programs, she remains surfing's most recognizable figure for overcoming adversity, demonstrating that physical limitations need not define athletic potential.
Returning to professional surfing after shark attack that resulted in loss of left arm
How They Played
Aggressive, fearless surfer known for powerful turns and commitment to large waves
Lasting Impact
Inspirational figure who proved physical limitations need not define athletic careers
Career Honours
- NSSA National Champion 2003
- ESPY Award for Best Comeback Athlete 2004
- Surf Industry Manufacturers Association Breakthrough Performer of the Year 2007
- ISA World Surfing Games Open Division Silver Medal 2010
- ASP Maui Pro Women's Winner 2014
- WSL Surf Ranch Pro Women's Invitational Competitor 2018
- NSSA Explorer Women's Division Champion multiple titles
- Surfer Magazine Award for Best Inspiration 2004
- Teen Choice Award Courage Award 2004
American Athletes