SOUL SURFERBiography by: Bethany Hamilton

Report by: Catie Voigt

BECOMING FAMOUS

Bethany Hamilton is a world famous competitive surfer. She is mostly

famous because of her inspiring life story. When she was just thirteen years old

she was attacked by a big tiger shark when she was surfing. A few weeks after

the attack, she was back on the surf board. She is also famous because of her

biography book that she wrote about her life. People wanted Bethany to make a

movie about her life, so she did. The movie Soul Surfer was viewed by many

people. Everyone who reads her book or watches her movie is always so

inspired. Her attack was put in the Hawaiian newspaper, so that is also a way

she became famous. She is a huge role model and a great sport which is why she

is such a great person. She inspires me daily to not give up on what you love and

to never stop trying.

BETHANY’S LIFE

A brief timeline of Bethany's life is

1990- Born in Kauai Hawaii

1992-1995- Learns how to surf

1998- First surf competition

1999- First major surf sponsor

2003- Second place at the NSSA- Attacked by a shark in October, and got back on the surf board

in November

2004- Her autobiography was released

2005- Won two first place trophies in two competitions

2010- Production started on a movie about her life

2011- Soul Surfer, the movie, was released

FACTS

Bethany was with her best friend Alana during the attack.

Her sponsor Rip Curl gave her the surfboard that she had with her

during the attack.

The watch that she was wearing during the attack was eaten by

the shark.