Bethany Hamilton, Professional Surfer

Born into a family of surfers in Kauai, Hawaii, Bethany Hamilton has been surfing almost as long as she has been walking. Entering her first competition around age four and sponsored by age nine, Hamilton’s love for the sport was immediately apparent. Despite a shark attack that took her left arm at age 13, her dedication has remained unwavering.

Just one month after the tragic accident, Hamilton was back on her surf board to pursue her goal of becoming a professional surfer, winning her first national title in 2005 and turning pro in 2007. Since then she has participated in numerous ASP and World Tour events, taking second place at the ASP 2009 World Junior Championships. Her courage and determination was documented in her 2004 autobiography Soul Surfer, and a major motion picture bearing the same title released in theaters April 2011. In 2018, a documentary titled Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable showcased her as one of the best women surfers in the world.