It’s been almost eight years since Bethany Hamilton (above, left) overcame the life-threatening shark attack that claimed her left arm. Over that time, Hamilton has told her death-defying tale in the media, established (with family and friends) the Friends of Bethany Foundation to help shark-attack victims and amputees, and seen her inspiring true story adapted for the big screen in Soul Surfer. (Tony's review will be posted Thursday.)
The experience of having a film made about her life has been both overwhelming and rewarding for the 21-year-old professional surfer.
This article appears in Mar 31 – Apr 6, 2011.