Bethany Hamilton - Liberty University Convocation

On October 16, 2013 at Convocation, North America's largest weekly gathering of Christian students, Bethany Hamilton shared her story with students and faculty, explaining how God was with her through it all. Bethany held their attention with her words of motivation, saying, "If you choose to give God your life, He will take your passions and make them even bigger passions."

At the age of thirteen, on October 31, 2003, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing off Kauai's North Shore. The attack left Bethany with a severed left arm. Since losing her arm, Bethany's story has been told in hundreds of media outlets and she has been recognized with numerous awards, public appearances, and various speaking engagements.

Just over a year after the attack she took 1st place in the Explorer Women's division of the 2005 NSSA National Championships -- winning her first National Title. In 2007, Bethany realized her dream and turned pro. Bethany has since participated in numerous ASP and World Tour Events with her major highlight being a second place finish in the ASP 2009 World Junior Championships.