Inside Bethany Hamilton’s recovery after losing an arm in a shark attack as she opens up about the World Surf League’s trans rule

BETHANY Hamilton went from aspiring surfer to inspirational legend after continuing in the sport despite losing her arm in a devastating shark attack when she was just 13.

But the star has made headlines for speaking out against a controversial World Surf League policy allowing transgender women to compete.

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Hamilton was on her way to becoming a formidable young surfer when she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark in Hawaii, where she was born.

On October 31, 2003, she lost her entire left arm from the shoulder down, but made headlines when she returned to the sport at a shocking rate.

Just a month after the underwater strike, she got back on the board and taught herself how to surf again in her new body.

By finding a surfboard that only used her right arm and honing her pedaling skills, she was hitting the waves again within weeks.

On January 10th she took part in her first major competition.

She shocked fans in 2004 when she took first place in the NSSA National Competition in both Australia and the USA, earning respect not only as an experienced surfer but also as a general inspiration.

Her incredible story was chronicled in the 2004 book Soul Surfer, which was adapted into a feature film in 2011.

Since the attack, she has had a thriving career as a competitive surfer, author, and inspirational speaker.

However, she sparked a major controversy after vowing to boycott the World Surf League for including transgender athletes in women’s tours.

In a viral Instagram post that racked up nearly 150,000 likes, Hamilton said she “aspires to love all of humanity,” but the rule “affects me.”

The new rule follows Olympic guidelines, which state that transfemale athletes can compete if they maintain testosterone levels below five nmol/L for at least 12 months.

“Is a hormone level an honest and accurate representation that someone is actually a man or a woman? Is it that simple?” Hamilton asked in the video.

“I think a lot of the girls who are currently touring don’t support this new rule and fear being ostracized if they speak out.”

Hamilton raised several questions related to the new ruling, including transgender athletes’ performance in other sports, such as swimming and running.

“Personally, I think the best solution would be to create another department so that everyone has a fair opportunity to show their passion and talent.”

Addressing the new ruling in a statement on Monday, WSL said: “WSL is working to balance equity and fairness and we will continue to evaluate the policy over the coming months and years as more research becomes available , information and feedback are available.”

The whistleblower-athlete released a follow-up video saying she “knew the hammer of meanness and cruelty was going to fall on me.”

She also said most female professional surfers she knows supported her beliefs after the ruling.

“The majority agrees with me and I’m glad I can encourage others to stand up,” Hamilton said.

Many pros flooded the comments with friendly messages and encouragement for their controversial opinions.