Bethany HAMILTON
She learned to surf at the grand old age of three, was winning competitions by eight and signed her first sponsorship deal at nine. And then, aged 13, Hamilton’s story changed dramatically. On a sunny morning in Hawaii, paddling through the surf with her best friend, a shark attacked and ripped off her left arm. By the time she got to hospital, she had lost over 60% of her blood. But she survived and, astonishingly, was back on her board less than a month later.
It’s that courage and tenacity – and refusal to quit what she loved – that has made Hamilton a sporting icon and role model. She taught herself to surf with one arm, initially using a custom-made board, was back in competition within months and won a national championships a year later. Since then, she has gone pro; ridden some truly terrifying waves; fought for women’s place in a sport dominated by men; published a children’s book and an autobiography; launched a lifestyle app; featured in documentaries and a feature-length film; and raised money for children living in poverty.
“By the time she got to the hospital, she had lost over 60% of her blood… but was back on her board less than a month later”