Lessons in Greatness

It was a warm morning, perfect for the beach, when 13-year-old surfing champion Bethany Hamilton paddled out on her board to catch some waves with her friends. Already one of the most talked-about young surfers in Hawaii, Bethany had a score of championships to her name and was well on her way to living her dream of becoming a professional.

But something happened in the water on the morning of October 31, 2003, that threatened to end Bethany’s dream forever: A 14-foot tiger shark swiftly approached and bit off her left arm only two inches below her shoulder. Bethany’s incredible story has been turned into a movie, Soul Surfer, and was released in theatres last weekend.

Inner Fire…

The truly Great use adversity as fuel

Life-changing events happen. And when they do, we are given a choice — a choice to be bitter or better. I spoke to one Great champion on the phone last week who had to make this decision ten years ago. He chose to be better and the result is an inspirational story about family, hope and passion that I feel fortunate to share this holiday season.

Nick Springer was a typical 14-year-old growing up on Long Island. He loved playing hockey and spending time with friends. But then tragedy struck in the form of bacterial meningitis while he was at summer camp in Massachusetts.