Prior to the attack, Bethany Hamilton was known as an up-and-coming competitive surfer. Since the attack and due to her and her family’s reaction to it, Bethany’s fame has broadened to reach international fans. With interviews and requests coming within hours of the attack, Bethany has proven to be an unforgettable story, a media darling and positioned as a leader.
AWARDS/HONORS
• ASP Peter Whittaker Award (2012)
• New York Times #1 Best-Selling Author: Soul Surfer (2011)
• Life of a Maverick Award, Cinequest Film Festival (2011)
• Nominated for VH1′s Do Something Awards (2011)
• Woman of the Year from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia (2006)
• Honolulu Citizens Award (2005)
• Mildred “Bob” Didrikson Zacharias Courage Award from the United States Sports Academy (USSA) (2005)
• USA Today – Free Spirit Award (2005)
• Honolulu Citizens Award (2005)
• Woman of the Year from Gorbachev (Germany) (2004)
• Olympic Torch Honoree – Hawaii’s First Ever Triathlon (2004)
• ESPY Award (by ESPN) – Comeback Athlete of the Year (July 2004)
• FOX Teen Choice Awards – Courage Award (2004)
• Wahine O Ke Kai (Woman of the Sea) Award at the SIMA Waterman’s Ball (2004)
• Gene Autry Award – Courage and Inspiration Values (2004)
• First Pitch Honoree for both the Oakland A’s (2004) and the New York Yankees (2005)
• Belief.net “Most inspiring Person of the Year” award – Finalist (2003)
To date, some significant media outlets have covered her story:
PUBLICATIONS
- Life. Self. Glamour.
- Time. Time for Kids.
- People. Teen People.
- Sport Illustrated. Sports Illustrated Kids.
- O Magazine
- YM. Teen Vogue. Seventeen.
- New York Times
- Los Angeles Times
- USA Today
- US News and World Report
- Success. Esquire.
- Guidepost. Readers Digest.
- American Girl Magazine
- AYSO Magazine. NINE. Wet. STM. Jetty Girl. Justine. Twist.
- Surfer. Surfline. Free Surf. Transworld Surf. SG (cover of the October 2004 issue).
- Christianity Today
- BILD Newspaper, Germany. Blond Magazine, Germany
- In Touch Weekly: “Fear is Not an Option.” (August 23, 2010)
TV PROGRAM APPEARANCES
- CNN: Anderson Cooper 360º, Breakthrough Women, Road Warriors
- NBC: Today Show,
- NBC’s The Biggest Loser (March 20, 2012) Special Guest. In episode she takes the contestants surfing! http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/
- Fox: Fox News, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
- Oprah Whinfrey Show
- ESPN & ESPN Sport Center’s My Wish (2011)
- Outdoor Life Network: “Fearless”
- ABC: Primetime. 20/20. Nightline. Good Morning America.
- ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (May 2, 2010) Guest. In episode she surprises and spends time with a family who have children with physical challenges just like hers.
- ABC Family’s Switched!
- CBN
- TBN: The 700 Club
- MTV: TRL. Teen Choice Awards.
- Nickelodian
- CBS: Inside Edition. The Early Show.
- E! Entertainment: 15 Greatest Survival Stories
- GMC: Gospel Music Awards Dove Awards (presenter)
- The Ellen DeGeneres Show
- BBC, England. SternTV, Germany. Der Speigel.
- Volvo “Life on Board” Campaign
- TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting” with the Duggar family (2011)
- HLN Salute to the Troops (2012)
Major event & church appearances:
CHURCH/EVENT APPEARANCES
- ACM Awards presenter (introduced Carrie Underwood’s performance 2011)
- Fellowship Church in Dallas, TX (2011)
- Harvest Crusade (2011)
- VantagePoint Church in Corona, CA (2012)
- Willow Creek Community Church
- Luis Palau D.C. Festival
- Rock The Universe at Universal Studios Florida (2007)
- Crystal Cathedral
- Hillsong in Sydney, Australia
- Christ Community Church in Sydney, Australia
- Saddleback Church
- Mariner’s Church in Irvine, CA
- Harvest in Riverside, CA
- Hershey’s Theme Park
- New Hope Oahu
- Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, CA (C.O.R.E. Girls Conference)
(Updated March 15, 2012)
