A2. One Arm, One Dream: Bethany Hamilton

One Arm, One Dream: Bethany Hamilton's Incredible Return

Bethany Hamilton was a young girl from Hawaii who loved surfing. She practiced every day and wanted to be a professional surfer. But, her life changed when she was just 13 years old.

One morning, Bethany lay on her surfboard with her left arm in the water. Suddenly, in a terrifying moment, a big shark bit off her left arm.

Bethany tried to stay calm. Her friends and family helped her to the beach. She lost a lot of blood, but doctors quickly helped save her life.

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Bethany did not let the shark attack stop her dream. With help from her parents and friends, she learned to surf with only one arm.

Bethany changed her surfing technique. She added an extra handle to the board, and made her legs and other arm stronger. She started believing she might enter competitions again.

One month after the attack, Bethany returned to surfing. She practiced every day with one arm. Her family knew she must follow her dream.

In 2005, Bethany won her first US national surfing competition, and her next one in 2008.

Today, Bethany Hamilton is a professional surfer and a motivational speaker. She shows us we can always find the strength to continue and succeed.