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
• Belief.net “Most inspiring Person of the Year” award – Finalist (2003)
• First Pitch Honoree for both the Oakland A’s (2004) and the New York Yankees (2005)
• 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)
• 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)
• Honolulu Citizens Award (2005)
• Woman of the Year from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia (2006)
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
- NBC: Today Show
- Fox: Fox News, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
- Oprah Whinfrey Show
- ESPN
- 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
CHURCH/EVENT APPEARANCES
- 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)
