When Bethany Hamilton Was Born: Verified Date and Early Context
Bethany Hamilton was born on February 8, 1990 in Lihue, Hawaii. This verified profile explains her birth date, early life in Hawaii, and how this timeline frames her development as a professional surfer. Understanding when Bethany Hamilton was born clarifies key milestones, including her first surf lessons, her rapid improvement in the sport, and the 2003 shark attack that brought her global attention. This evergreen explanation focuses on factual, timeless context useful for readers researching her background and career origins.
Birth Date and Place
Verification and Sources
Multiple authoritative sources, including biographies, interviews, and official records, confirm her birth date and location. The consistency across sources supports a high level of confidence in February 8, 1990, as her date of birth.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 8, 1990 | Biographies, interviews |
| Place of Birth | Lihue, Hawaii, United States | Published biographies, news profiles |
| Age (as of 2024) | 34 years old | Calculated from birth date |
Early Life in Hawaii
Bethany grew up in Kauai, immersed in a beach-centric culture where surfing was common among children. Starting around age 7, she regularly rode small waves near her home. Her family emphasized balance between sport, school, and community, which shaped her approach to training and competition long before the 2003 incident.
Career Timeline Relative to Her Birth
Placing her career milestones after when Bethany Hamilton was born helps frame her achievements:
- 1990: Birth in Lihue, Hawaii
- 1997: Began surfing competitively
- 2003: Shark attack occurred on October 31
- 2004: Returned to professional surfing
- 2007: Won first ASP women’s title
- 2011 and beyond: Continued professional competition and advocacy
Public Profile and Inspiration Legacy
Since the 2003 event, Bethany Hamilton has been recognized not only for her competitive results but also for her perspective on fear, faith, and resilience. The question of when Bethany Hamilton was born is important because it anchors the timeline of a story that many people relate to for motivation in facing personal challenges.
Common Misconceptions About Her Age and Timeline
Some discussions misestimate her age or the years between her rise and the shark attack. Clarifying when Bethany Hamilton was born helps correct these points: she was 13 at the time of the incident, and her career recovery and long-term success are best understood when the dates are clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Bethany Hamilton’s date of birth? She was born on February 8, 1990.
- Where was she born? She was born in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, United States.
- How old was she in 2003? She was 13 years old at the time of the shark attack in October 2003.
- Does her birth date affect her career milestones? Yes, knowing her birth date allows accurate dating of her titles, records, and recovery milestones.
- Are there reliable sources for her birth date? Yes, multiple biographies, interviews, and official surfing records confirm February 8, 1990.