This One-Armed Pro Surfer Keeps Defying The Odds To Achieve Greatness
At the age of 25, Bethany Hamilton has already accomplished more than most hope to achieve in a lifetime.
For all intents and purposes, the Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii native was born on a surfboard, and she quickly excelled in surfing competitions.
Then, on Halloween of 2003, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark. She escaped with her life, but she lost her left arm.
Most would've called it quits right there, just happy to be alive after staring death in the face, but not Bethany Hamilton.
One month after the attack, she was back on a surfboard. One year later, Hamilton hoisted a national surfing title.
In 2007, the "Soul Surfer" turned pro and never looked back. This past June, she and her husband, Adam Dirks, had their first child, a baby boy named Tobias.
Bethany's life can be summed up by tragedy, triumph and joy, but that doesn't even begin to tell her unbelievable tale.
From competing on "The Amazing Race" to being #pregnantandsurfing, here's how Bethany Hamilton keeps defying the odds to achieve greatness.
Bethany Meilani Hamilton grew up with two older brothers, Noah and Timothy.
She learned to surf at a young age and soon felt at home on a surfboard.
Hamilton started competing in surf competitions at an early age, but she lost her left arm in a shark attack at the age of 13.
Not only did Bethany get back in the water following the attack, she also started showing just how talented a surfer she was.
She continued to surf, and win, at competitions all over the world.
Her story garnered national attention, and she quickly became an inspiration to many.
In April 2011, "Soul Surfer," a movie about her life, hit theaters all over the world.
Then, Bethany started making the rounds to share her story and promote the film.
In 2013, she married the love of her life, Adam Dirks.
The pair quickly set off traveling and living life to the fullest...
Like when they hiked through New Zealand...
And competed on season 25 of "The Amazing Race."
The "Soul Surfers" made it all the way to the final leg and finished the competition in third place.
In 2014, Bethany released "Body & Soul," a book written to encourage women to live healthy lives and follow their dreams.
That resulted in a book tour and an appearance on "The Queen Latifah Show."
Eventually, Bethany became pregnant with a boy.
But if losing an arm couldn't keep her off a board, you know carrying a child didn't either.
During her pregnancy, Bethany surfed up to five hours a day to stay in shape...
And she made sure to keep her gym game strong.
On June 1, 2015, Bethany and Adam welcomed Tobias into the world.
Almost immediately, the couple introduced him to the ocean and a surfboard.
Nearly four months later, Bethany Hamilton is learning to juggle motherhood and being a pro surfer.
Just this week, she competed in the Swatch Women's Pro tournament.
And who knows, maybe Tobias will be the next great surfer in the family.
Citations: SOULSURFER (Bethany Hamilton), Bethany Hamilton Had A Baby In June, Now She's Competing Again: A Brief History Of Her Awesomeness (UPROXX), 'Keeping muscles alive is what I need to do!' Bethany Hamilton reveals her pregnancy workout... which includes surfing for five hours a day (Daily Mail)
