Shark-Attack Surfer Takes Third in Competition

Her story seemed tragic. At age 13, talented Bethany Hamilton was set to be the next pro surfer out of Hawaii… until she lost her entire left arm to a tiger shark while surfing the North Shore of Kauai.

But it wasn’t tragic… just a challenge. Bethany had the most amazing attitude about her loss. Soon after the attack, it was obvious that she’d be surfing again. I just don’t know if any one expected her to do so competitively.

Well, she is… and she’s giving the other girls a run for their money. This week Bethany tied for third in the Roxy Pro Womens WQS Surf Festival on Philip Island in Australia. She made it all the way through to the semi finals and placed equal with her opponent, World No. 8 Jessi Miley-Donte.

Hamilton’s remarkable equal third place finish marks the best of not only her career, but also possibly that of a physically challenged athlete, and has kicked started her full time assault on the WQS in 2008.

Bethany’s story is one that I find great inspiration in. I’m not sure I would have had the guts to get back in the water after an experience like that. The girl’s got courage, determination and, quite obviously, talent.

She even wrote a book about her experience and the faith that got her through it. She has said she wants to encourage other people to follow their dreams despite obstacles that seem insurmountable.

“[People] can do whatever they want if they just set their heart to it, and just never give up, and just go out there and do it,” she said.