The American surfer, whose Christian faith helped her recover and return to the water after losing an arm in the attack at the age of 13, scored the upset win during round two of the World Surf League’s Fiji Women’s Pro.

Bethany Hamilton. Credit: Flickr/Nathan Rupert: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nathaninsandiego/9436507191

“I am honoured that I can inspire people. I know I am in a unique position to encourage young girls to make great decisions as they grow into women and to chase their dreams,” the 26-year-old said.

“Even after losing my arm, I am still doing everything I’ve hoped I could do with my future and even more. I think I am a reminder for the young girls that they can do it if they set their mind to it.”

Her inspiring run fell just short during the semi-finals of the event at the challenging Cloudbreak reef in Fiji, being eliminated by eventual winner Johanne Defay of France.