PRESENTATION OUTLINE
A Day in the Life of Bethany Hamilton
Early Life:
Bethany Meilani Hamilton was born on February 8, 1990, in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii. Her parents are Tom and Cheri. Raised in a surfing family, along with older brothers Noah and Timothy, Bethany learned to handle the waves at an early age. She began competitive surfing at age 8, and by age 9 she had earned her first sponsorship.
(Rip Curl).
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School:
Unlike most kids, Hamilton was homeschooled. Being homeschooled meant she could get an education and also do the things she loves to do. Such as surfing.
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Bethany's Family:
Cheri Hamilton is Bethany’s mom and number 1 supporter. Cheri is strong just like her daughter and is always supportive of Bethany and their family.
Tom Hamilton is Bethany’s dad and surfing coach. Tom is always giving tips and helping Bethany improve on her surfing. Tom Hamilton is a selfless and strong-hearted man, who like the rest of her family are always there for Bethany.
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Bethany's Siblings:
Noah Hamilton is one of Bethany’s older brothers. As the oldest of the three children, Noah is a passionate surfer just like the rest of his family, but he also enjoys photography. Bethany describes him as a “Very determined and focused young man.
Timothy Hamilton is Bethany’s other brother. Bethany describes Timothy as “The guy who enjoys being the odd one out – the class clown.” Timothy is a very cheeky kind of person, but if his little sister gets in trouble he is the serious guy. Timothy is also a funny, charming and creative young man.
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Shark Attack:
Shark Attack:
On the morning of October 31, 2003, Bethany went out to surf at Tunnels Beach in Ha'ena with her best friend, Alana Blanchard, and her father and brother. While lying on her board, she suddenly felt an intense pressure on her left arm and was pulled back and forth for a few seconds before the flurry passed. Although feeling no pain, she noticed the water around her had turned red, and her shocked friends realized that her left arm had been devoured nearly to shoulder.
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She was rushed to Wilcox Memorial Hospital, bumping her father from the operating room where he was about to have knee surgery. She had to undergo several surgeries, but soon recovered and was released after a few days.
As the story drew national attention, it was determined that Hamilton had been attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark. Seemingly level-headed about the incident and the change to her body, she promised to return to surfing as soon as possible.
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Successes:
resumed surfing just one month after the attack, her determination helping to keep the story alive in the news cycle. She released an autobiography known as Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board, which became a bestseller, and she was honored for her courage by MTV, ESPN, and the United States Sports Academy.
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Overcoming:
Hamilton demonstrated that the loss of an arm was no obstacle to fulfilling her surfing goals. She won the Explorer Women's division at the 2005 NSSA National Championships and began competing on the pro circuit in 2007.
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Supporters:
Cheri Hamilton, Tom Hamilton
Noah Hamilton, Timmy Hamilton
Alana Blanchard, Byron Blanchard
Holt Blanchard, Paul Wheeler
Dr. David Rovinsky and Dr. Ken Pierce.
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Inspiration:
Bethany was influenced and inspired by her family and faith in God.
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Bethany's Legacy:
Bethany's legacy has become an inspiration to millions through her story of faith, determination, and hope.
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Interesting Facts:
In 2012, Bethany began dating a youth pastor named Adam Dirks. They were soon married in August 2013. In 2014, they were named to the cast of Season 25 of The Amazing Race, delivering a strong showing before finishing in third place. Bethany has also appeared on shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and The Biggest Loser.
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More Interesting Facts:
In early 2015, Hamilton announced she was pregnant and would soon be scaling back her busy schedule. She and her husband welcomed a son, Tobias, on June 1.
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Bibliography:
"MY STORY." Bethany Hamilton - Bethany's Story. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 May 2017
Ott, Tim. "Bethany Hamilton." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 16 June 2015. Web. 16 May 2017.
