REPLAY | Bethany Hamilton on Women’s Sports, Faith & Motherhood
Nov 26, 2024
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Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton, who famously overcame a shark attack at age 13, discusses her journey of resilience and faith. She passionately advocates for women's sports, highlighting the issues of transgender athletes competing in women's events and her push against the World Surf League's policies. Bethany shares insights on motherhood and balancing family life with her surfing career, along with her commitment to pro-life causes and the impact of her experiences in the public eye.
Bethany Hamilton emphasizes the necessity for maintaining fairness in women's sports amidst recent changes allowing transgender athletes to compete against women.
Through her advocacy for pro-life causes, Hamilton highlights the importance of valuing every human life and providing support for women facing crisis pregnancies.
Deep dives
Bethany Hamilton's Inspiring Journey
Bethany Hamilton began her surfing career at a young age, influenced by her family and the beautiful waves of Kauai, Hawaii. After tragically losing her arm in a shark attack at the age of 13, she faced a challenging journey of recovery and self-rediscovery. Supported by her faith, family, and friends, including fellow surfer Mike Coots who had also faced adversity, she determined to surf again despite the odds. This pivotal moment ignited her passion further, leading her to embrace a new identity as a professional surfer who continues to inspire many.
Overcoming Challenges with Faith and Resilience
Post-attack, Hamilton experienced a mix of emotions ranging from fear to frustration as she navigated her new reality of surfing with one arm. Despite the challenges, her faith in God and her innate gratitude for life propelled her forward, allowing her to regain confidence and adapt her surfing techniques. As she gradually learned to ride the waves again, she experienced moments of triumph, such as the emotional breakthrough of riding a wave all the way to the shore. This journey not only transformed her perspective but also inspired countless individuals facing their own hardships.
Advocating for Women's Fairness in Sports
Hamilton took a stand on the recent changes regarding Title IX and the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's surfing competitions, believing in the importance of fairness for female competitors. She expressed disappointment at the World Surf League's sudden policy shift allowing males to compete against females, which undermined the integrity of women's sports. By voicing her opinion and asking critical questions about the implications of this ruling, she drew attention to the need for a level playing field in sports. Her actions encouraged discussions within the surfing community and highlighted the necessity for women to have equal opportunities without compromising fairness.
Championing Pro-Life Advocacy and Maternal Support
Beyond her surfing career, Hamilton is a passionate advocate for pro-life causes, emphasizing the importance of valuing every human life. She collaborates with organizations that promote maternal support, sharing her belief that motherhood is a treasured gift and that society has a responsibility to support women in crisis. Hamilton highlights the need to actively engage in promoting alternatives to abortion, such as adoption and providing resources for expectant mothers. Through her advocacy, she aims to inspire future generations and encourage discussions surrounding the dignity of all lives, particularly the vulnerable.
Today we sit down with professional surfer Bethany Hamilton to discuss the protection of women's sports, her surfing career, childbirth, and standing up for the pro-life cause. Bethany lost her arm in a shark attack when she was just 13 years old and overcame not just relearning how to surf with one arm, but how to compete again and win. She explains how her experience being launched into the public eye led her to share her relationship with Jesus. We talk about her decision to speak out against the World Surf League, which recently allowed men to compete in women's competitions, and the fallout of essentially being blacklisted by the league.
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