Inspirational pro-surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her left arm in a 2003 shark attack, has welcomed a baby boy.
The 25-year-old Hawaii native and her husband, Christian youth minister Adam Dirks, took to social media to announce the great news to their fans.
“Blessed to welcome our son, Tobias, into the world. Born June 1st, 7.9 lbs. and 21” Long. He is named after his great grandpa Tobias meaning “The goodness of God.” Adam and I so in love with our lil guy and are stoked to share life with him!”
Bethany rose to fame as a 13-year-old after getting back on a surfboard just one month after being savagely attacked by a shark and losing her arm while surfing off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii.
Bethany and Adam, who have been married since August 2013, announced they were expecting in February this year via a pre-recorded interview from their Kauai home – the interview has since been liked close to 100,000 times.
In the video Bethany acknowledged that her missing arm could be a challenge when it comes to her baby boy.
“Motherhood with one arm, I kind of think about it. I kind of forget I have one arm, a squirming baby and changing diapers and just me could be really challenging,” she said. “But I think how I live life now. I just adjust and adapt to different things and I’ll find my own ways to take care of the baby.”
Bethany – who incredibly survived the October 2003 shark attack despite losing more than 60 per cent of her blood – has never let her injuries hold her back. In 2010, she was ranked 20th on the women’s surfing tour.
The super fit new mum put away her surfboards for the latter stages of her pregnancy but she showed off how she kept in shape on Instagram with photos of her snorkelling, hiking and ocean swims with her baby bump.
Bethany even penned a book about her ocean experiences in the book Soul Surfer, which was made into a film in 2011 starring Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood and actress Anna Sophia Robb as Bethany.
A heavily pregnant Bethany taking a dip. PHOTO: Instagram.
The new mum was clearly excited to meet her new bub. PHOTO: Instagram.
Despite her 2003 shark attack the Hawaii native has spent most of her life in the water. PHOTO: Instagram.
The expecting parents kept fans in the loop in social media. PHOTO: Instagram.
Celebrating the six month mark with a paddle. PHOTO: Instagram.
Bethany as a youngster was never shy about trying to spread her message of triumph over adversity.
The pro surfer picks up a win at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 2014.
The surfer on the chat show circuit: Bethany has been outspoken about her efforts to inspire people to keep on pursuing their dreams no matter what challenges face them.
Bethany where she is most comfortable: the ocean.
Bethany at the 2011 premiere of the film based on her story, Soul Surfer.
One arm and still shredding. Bethany has maintained her sponsor Rip Curl since she was just nine-years-old.
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