Updated at 12:30 p.m., Friday, January 25, 2008
Kauai surfer Bethany Hamilton takes 3rd in Roxy event
Advertiser Staff
The inspiring surf run by Kaua'i's Bethany Hamilton against some of the world's top professionals came to an end in the semifinals of the Roxy Surf Festival today.The semifinals were run in 3- to 4-foot waves at Woolamai Beach, Australia.
Hamilton was eliminated by Brazil's Bruna Schmitz, 9.5 to 2.3. Hamilton could not find any good waves in the heat, and caught just three waves.
Hamilton, 17, survived a shark attack that severed her entire left arm in 2003.
Hamilton still competes in amateur events, and this was her best showing in a professional contest. She received $2,000 for tying for third place. The finals are tomorrow.
The world's top-ranked professionals — such as world champion Stephanie Gilmore — did not enter. However, many of Australia's top females surfers were in the contest.
Hamilton advanced through four heats during the week before falling short in the semifinals today. She was the top-placing surfer from Hawai'i.
