Posted on: Thursday, June 10, 2004

Young surfer stays in spotlight

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Bethany Hamilton, the 13-year-old Hanalei surfer who lost her left arm to a shark, continues to be a media darling.

She was the subject of an Outdoors cover story in the June 1 Los Angeles Times, in an article that examines her fading 15 minutes of fame. Or maybe not.

Like other survivors before her, Bethany has been resilient — thanks to a coterie of family, friends and supporters, who keep her story alive and constant. The Times piece, titled "Brand Bethany," examines her phenomenal impact on the press and the public. She's been practically everywhere since her life changed last October, with book and movie deals, appearances on everything from Oprah to the "Today" show. This month, she'll compete in the National Scholastic Surfing Association championship in San Clemente.