Shark Attack: Bethany Hamilton

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Born to surf, Bethany Hamilton was determined not to let anything stand in the way of her surf board and her. Not even losing her arm during a shark attack. At age 13, on Halloween day 2003, Hamilton and some family friends went surfing on the Napali Coast in Hawaii. While waiting for a wave to come, the wristwatch attracted the attention of a shark. After surgery, recovery and physical therapy, Hamilton continued to surf competitively. Despite her disadvantage, Hamilton surfs at a professional level. With the title of the “Bravest Girl in America,” 2004 Most Courageous Teen and the 2004 EPSY award for Best Comeback Athlete, Hamilton proves that nothing can keep her away from her surfboard. Not only was Hamilton praised for her bravery and courage but the loss of her arm has made her a better surfer. Hamilton also won 3rd place in Roxy Pro Surfing Competition in Australia, 5th place in the US Open of California, 2nd place at the World Junior Championships in Sydney, Australia and finally, 14th place on ASP’s World Qualifying Series Ratings.
Hamilton presents 3 major themes when writing about her inspiring story. Firstly, Hamilton discusses her close relation to God and her faith and her religion’s role in her recovery. Another major theme was how overcoming obstacles lead to rewards. Lastly, Hamilton inspires the reader by showing him or her how to take something that may seem negative, turn it around and use it to your advantage. Hamilton is a unique individual who inspires many by her way of coping with the loss of her arm. One idea that helped her through her recovery was the thought of having God’s love and support. Hamilton writes “My strength came from my relationship with Christ and from the love and encouragement of my ...

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...hat lies ahead rather than focusing on the past. “I’ve accepted it and I even joke around and make fun of myself sometimes! It’s not really weird anymore to look at myself in the mirror and see one arm. I’m not grieving it; I’m using it to share God’s glory (to share my story). I made the decision early on not to mourn the loss, and I’ve stuck to that…I don’t even think ‘What if’ or ‘Why me’ questions. I accept having one arm as who I am” (217). Hamilton also writes “…I’m always changing spiritually, growing stronger as I get to know God better and have opportunities to put my faith into action” (218). Hamilton looks at the attack as an opportunity to learn, grow and inspire others.

Works Cited

Hamilton, Bethany, Sheryl Berk, and Rick Bundschuh. Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board. New York: Pocket ; MTV, 2006. Print.

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