How Did Bethany Hamilton Lose Her Arm
On October 31, 2003, Bethany Hamilton was surfing off Kauai, Hawaii, when a tiger shark bit her left arm just below the shoulder. The attack occurred in shallow water during a routine morning session, and she lost her entire left arm before she could reach shore.
What Happened After the Shark Attack
Hamilton was rushed to a hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery to stop the bleeding. She lost about 60 percent of her blood and received multiple transfusions. Despite the severity of the injury, she survived and began a long recovery focused on physical therapy and emotional healing.
How She Returned to Surfing
Within weeks of the attack, Hamilton began practicing on a custom shortened surfboard designed for one-armed surfing. She returned to competition within a year and later won several amateur and professional events. Her story has been widely documented in media and interviews.
Sources: Biography.com
