Bethany Hamilton Dirks, a renowned American professional surfer, was born on February 8, 1990, and is more commonly known by her first name, Bethany. Her life took a dramatic turn in 2003 when she suffered a shark attack that resulted in the loss of her left arm. Despite this life-altering event, Bethany made a remarkable recovery and returned to her passion for professional surfing, ultimately achieving victory in the sport.
Bethany's remarkable story was immortalized in her 2004 autobiography, Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board, which chronicled her journey of resilience and determination. In 2011, a feature film based on her book and additional interviews was released, titled Soul Surfer, further spreading her inspiring tale.
Since the loss of her arm, Bethany has become a familiar face on television, appearing on numerous shows, sharing her remarkable story and inspiring others with her courage and perseverance.