At a very young age, just when she was 13 years old, an unspeakable tragedy happened with Bethany Hamilton. She lost one of her arms in a shark attack. Hamilton almost lost her life – she had lost two-thirds of her blood after the incident. Her resilience was remarkable; not only did she survive, but she was somehow back on the surfing board merely 26 days after the incident.
For Bethany Hamilton, the fear of never surfing again was greater than the fear of the shark, or in fact, of not living. Within 2 years of her losing her arm, she won a national championship. And now, she has been making rounds at the Backdoor Shootout.
Bethany Hamilton Rips Through Waves, Fans are in Awe
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A photo of Bethany Hamilton emerged on Facebook, which showed her perfectly riding a pipeline, and inspiring people by the miracle that is her. Many considered her to be one of the most inspiring surfers. People quickly took to the comments section to compliment her on her skills.
“I can’t even imagine surfing small waves and having only one arm. I have no idea how she can do it after losing her other arm in a shark attack. She might be the most remarkable surfer in history.”
“Skillful and focused, an absolutely a phenomenal surfer.🔥”
“Inspiration! Guts and Glory!!!!!!!”
“Wow that’s gutsy what an amazing lady “
“That’s heavy brah…she goes for it..even Jaws 🌊👏”
Needless to say, people were awed by her performance at the Pipeline –
“I watched she friggin CHARGED PIPE!🔥🔥🔥👏👏👏🌊🌊🌊”
“She’s incredible!! That was some mean Pipeline. Waves were bombing”
Pipelines are in general tricky to ride, but when you’re in a position like Hamilton, being able to ride them as well as she does is nothing short of a miracle. However, her amazing surfing career is a testament to her resilience.
Hamilton’s Passion for Surfing Trumps Everything
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Only someone with true passion for surfing can even think about competing professionally even after losing an arm. Bethany Hamilton did not only think about it though; she has done it over and over again. In 2005, she won the National Scholastic Surfing Association National Championship which was conducted for children under 18 years of age.
Pipeline is so humbling & awe inspiring!!! I’m so stoked & grateful for the opportunity to send it at the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout in the first ever ladies heat! pic.twitter.com/mICl032TWg
— Bethany Hamilton (@bethanyhamilton) January 15, 2022
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She competed in the World Tour for the first time in 2009, and in 2016, she defeated six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore as well the Tyler Wright, who was at the top at that time, to come in third place. Her family has been a big support system for her, but her greatest strength has been her love for surfing. Do you think what Hamilton has done is a brave feat?
Watch this story: “Is He Alive?”: Resurfaced Video Dubbed World’s Most Terrifying Wipeout Breaks The Surfing Community Yet Again