Behind It All In the picture: Bethany Hamilton (Left), AnnaSophia Robb (Right)
The movie Soul Surfer is an inspiring true story about Bethany Hamilton, played by actress AnnaSophia Robb. Bethany Hamilton was born into a family of surfers on February 8, 1990, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and at a young age, began surfing. When she was eight, she entered her first surf competition on Oahu, where she won both the short and the long board divisions. The win made her start to realize that she wanted her dream and future to consist of professional surfing. But at the age of thirteen, on October 31, 2003, Bethany was attacked by a 14 foot tiger shark while surfing. The fatality of this devastating attack was that it left her with a severed left arm. After losing over 60% of her blood and making it through several surgeries without infection, she was on her way to recovery with a positive attitude. Miraculously, one month after the attack she returned to the water and began pursuing her dream of being a professional surfer. In 2004 her first surf competition since the attack she placed fifth and in 2005 she won the NSSA National Championship, winning her first national title. In 2007, she finally succeeded at her dream and became a professional surfer. Today since the day she lost her arm to the tiger shark in 2003, her story has been told all over the world in a way of inspiration and Bethany has been honored with numerous awards.
Bethany Hamilton is a great example of the American Dream. She set her goal of becoming a professional surfer and succeeded at it, although she faced some challenges. When she was attacked by the shark, it didn't stop her one bit. In fact after she woke up after her surgery, she asked the doctor when she would be able to go back into the water and surf because she was eager to get back to doing what she loves. After the incident, she had to make changes to the way she surfed which made her better and became stronger. She got back in the water and started winning competitions, and it was as if she never was hurt. Finally she accomplished her dream of becoming a pro surfer and is known world wide today.
Bethany Hamilton is a great example of the American Dream. She set her goal of becoming a professional surfer and succeeded at it, although she faced some challenges. When she was attacked by the shark, it didn't stop her one bit. In fact after she woke up after her surgery, she asked the doctor when she would be able to go back into the water and surf because she was eager to get back to doing what she loves. After the incident, she had to make changes to the way she surfed which made her better and became stronger. She got back in the water and started winning competitions, and it was as if she never was hurt. Finally she accomplished her dream of becoming a pro surfer and is known world wide today.