Bethany Hamilton who is a professional surfer turned 30 a few days ago on February 8, 2020. Bethany is quite a braveheart as she not only survived a deadly shark attack, but is living life in full swing and taking things head on even with the loss of one arm. Bethany lost her arm during the attack but that has not stopped her from living her personal and professional life as she wants to. Here's her story. Pictures/ Bethany Hamilton's Instagram
Updated On: 2020-02-11 11:50 AM IST
Bethany Hamilton was born in Hawaii on February 8, 1990. She is a professional surfer.
Bethany Hamilton studied at home until Grade 6. She has three siblings and is the youngest.
In October 2003, at age 13, Bethany, while on a morning surf, was attacked by a 14-foot-long tiger shark and was left with a severed arm.
After the attack, Bethany was paddled back to shore after which her friend's father wrapped a tourniquet round her arm made of a rash guard.
When Bethany Hamilton arrived at the hospital, she had lost around 60 per cent of blood.
Bethany's father was scheduled for a knee surgery that very day in the same hospital. However, due to the dramatic turn of events, Bethany took his place in the hospital's operation room.
The shark that attacked Bethany was found and killed by a family of fishermen.
Just a month after being attacked by the shark, Bethany Hamilton returned to surfing.
In January 2004, Bethany Hamilton took part in a major tournament.
A Hollywood film titled Soul Surfer was made based on Bethany Hamilton's book.
Following the shark attack, Bethany Hamilton appeared no numerous TV show such as The Biggest Loser, 20/20, Good Morning America, Inside Edition, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Today Show, The Tonight Show and Dude Perfect.
In 2004, Bethany Hamilton bagged the award for Best Comeback Athlete at EPSY Awards.
A documentary short based on her story named Heart of a Soul Surfer was also made.
In 2012, Bethany Hamilton met youth minister Adam Dirks via mutual friends.
Bethany Hamilton and Adam Dirks began dating and got engaged in 2013. They got married in August 2013.