BETHANY HAMILTON

BIO

Bethany Hamilton has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of determination, faith and hope. At the age of thirteen, Bethany lost her left arm to a 14-foot tiger shark, which seemed to end her career as a rising surf star.  One month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water and within 2 years had won her first National title. In 2007, she realized her dream of surfing professionally and since then her story has been told in a New York Times best selling autobiography and in the 2011 film, SOUL SURFER. Bethany is involved in numerous charitable efforts, including her own foundation, Friends of Bethany, which reaches out to amputees and youth, encouraging a broken world by offering hope to overcome through Jesus Christ. Using her platform as a professional athlete to promote living a fit and healthy lifestyle, she authored the book BODY AND SOUL in 2014. Bethany’s latest project, UNSTOPPABLE, a surf documentary which will showcase her as one of the best women surfers in the world, is set to release in Summer 2018, accompanied by a photo book and a children’s book. Her greatest joy is being a wife and mother, and she continues to touch and inspire lives globally as a professional surfer, and motivational speaker.

​
AWARDS / HONORS
» Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award “Favorite Comeback Athlete” (2014)
» Top 10 finish for USA in Rallye Aicha Des Gazelles Maroc (Gazelle Rally 2013)

» “Stars in Danger: The High Dive” TV show – 1st place synchronized dive with Stephen “Twitch” Boss (2013)» Chris Greicius Celebrity Award from Make-a-Wish (2012)

» Heal the World Award from Children Mending Hearts (2012)» Natural High honoree (2012)» ASP Peter Whittaker Award (2012)

» New York Times #1 Best-Selling Author: Soul Surfer (2011)

» Life of a Maverick Award, Cinequest Film Festival (2011)

» Nominated for VH1’s Do Something Awards (2011)

» Woman of the Year from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia (2006)

» Honolulu Citizens Award (2005)» Mildred “Bob” Didrikson Zacharias Courage Award from the United States Sports Academy (USSA) (2005)

» USA Today – Free Spirit Award (2005)» Woman of the Year from Gorbachev (Germany) (2004)

» Olympic Torch Honoree – Hawaii’s First Ever Triathlon (2004)» ESPY Award (by ESPN) – Comeback Athlete of the Year (2004)

» FOX Teen Choice Awards – Courage Award (2004)

» Wahine O Ke Kai (Woman of the Sea) Award at the SIMA Waterman’s Ball (2004)

» Gene Autry Award – Courage and Inspiration Values (2004)» First Pitch Honoree for both the Oakland A’s (2004) and the New York Yankees (2005)

» Belief.net “Most inspiring Person of the Year” Award – Finalist (2003)

MEDIA