History of Bethany Hamilton in Timeline

Bethany Hamilton is an American professional surfer who overcame a life-altering shark attack in 2003, where she lost her left arm. Despite this, she courageously returned to professional surfing, becoming an inspirational figure. She authored the autobiography "Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board" (2004), which details her experiences and strong Christian faith. The book was later adapted into a film of the same name in 2011, further sharing her remarkable story of resilience and determination with a wider audience.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

February 8, 1990: Birth of Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Meilani Hamilton was born on February 8, 1990, becoming an American professional surfer and writer.

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October 31, 2003: Shark Attack Incident

On October 31, 2003, while surfing at Tunnels Beach, Kauai, 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark, which bit off her left arm. She was rushed to Wilcox Medical Center and survived the ordeal.

November 26, 2003: Return to Surfing

On November 26, 2003, just 26 days after the shark attack, Bethany Hamilton returned to surfing.

2003: Shark Attack

In 2003, Bethany Hamilton survived a shark attack in which her left arm was bitten off.

January 10, 2004: First Major Competition

On January 10, 2004, Bethany Hamilton entered her first major surfing competition after the shark attack.

2004: Soul Surfer book released

In 2004, Bethany Hamilton released her book 'Soul Surfer'.

2004: Awards and Book Publication

In 2004, Bethany Hamilton won the ESPY Award for Best Comeback Athlete and the Courage Teen Choice Award. That same year, MTV Books published her autobiography, 'Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board'.

Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board (An Inspiring True Story)

Check it on Amazon

2004: Autobiography Publication

In 2004, Bethany Hamilton wrote about her experiences in the autobiography, Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board.

Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board (An Inspiring True Story)

Check it on Amazon

2004: Shark Identification Confirmation

In late 2004, police officially confirmed that a 14-foot tiger shark caught and killed near the attack site was the same shark that had attacked Bethany Hamilton.

2007: Release of Heart of a Soul Surfer

In 2007, the short subject documentary film, 'Heart of a Soul Surfer', was released, telling Bethany Hamilton's story with a focus on her faith and courage.

2009: Appearance on "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"

In 2009, Bethany Hamilton appeared as a contestant on 'Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?' and won $25,000.

2010: Appearance on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"

In 2010, Bethany Hamilton appeared on an episode of ABC's 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'.

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2011: I Am Second Video and Soul Surfer Film

In 2011, Bethany Hamilton appeared in a video for the Christian organization 'I Am Second', and the feature film 'Soul Surfer', based on her book, was released, with Hamilton performing the one-armed surfing stunts.

2011: Release of "Soul Surfer" film

In 2011, the book 'Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board' was adapted into the feature film, Soul Surfer.

2012: Meeting Adam Dirks

In early 2012, Bethany Hamilton met youth minister Adam Dirks through mutual friends.

August 18, 2013: Marriage to Adam Dirks

On August 18, 2013, Bethany Hamilton married youth minister Adam Dirks at an estate on Kauai's north shore.

2014: Publication of "Body and Soul"

In 2014, Bethany Hamilton authored the book 'Body and Soul', using her platform to promote a fit and healthy lifestyle.

2014: Dolphin Tale 2 and The Amazing Race

In 2014, Bethany Hamilton played herself in the film 'Dolphin Tale 2', and she and her husband, Adam Dirks, competed on the 25th season of 'The Amazing Race', finishing in third place.

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2018: Documentary Release

In 2018, the documentary 'Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable' was released, in which she discusses how marriage and motherhood have affected her professional surfing career.

2019: Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable Documentary

In 2019, a surf documentary was made about Bethany Hamilton, titled 'Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable', which was accompanied by a photo book and a children's book.

January 2023: World Surf League Boycott Announcement

In January 2023, Bethany Hamilton announced that she would boycott all World Surf League events following their decision to allow transgender women to compete in the female category, sparking controversy.

2024: The Masked Singer Competition

In 2024, Bethany Hamilton competed as "Macaron" on season twelve of 'The Masked Singer', becoming the first amputee to compete on the show; she was eliminated in the "Group C Premiere".

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