Champion para surfer Liv Stone has defied the odds and shattered barriers in the world of professional surfing. Born Olivia Stone on January 31, 2003, in Lancaster, PA, Liv's journey to becoming a world-renowned athlete is nothing short of inspirational. Despite being a congenital, bilateral, above-elbow amputee, Liv has never allowed her condition to define her. Instead, she has used her indomitable spirit and unwavering determination to conquer the waves and achieve greatness in the sport she loves.
From a young age, Liv was always involved in sports, participating in activities such as soccer, rifle, and field hockey. However, it wasn't until 2017 that she discovered her true passion for surfing. At the Beautifully Flawed Retreat, Liv caught her first wave and instantly fell in love with the feeling of freedom and exhilaration that surfing provided. The following summer, she attended a Challenge Athletes Foundation surf clinic, where she honed her skills and realized that surfing was where her heart truly belonged.
It was in the Stand 1 division that Liv truly made her mark, winning the Gold Medal at the ISA World Para Surfing Championship for three consecutive years, from 2020 to 2022. Her exceptional talent, unyielding determination, and positive attitude have earned her recognition in prestigious publications such as Forbes, SurfGirl Magazine, The Inertia, and American Surf Magazine.
Outside of her surfing career, Liv has also dedicated her time to conservation efforts. In July 2023, she collaborated with Nature Conservation Doctoral Candidate Jade Harris on a groundbreaking study on the overall costs of fencing lions in South Africa. Spending several months at Marataba Camps, Liv immersed herself in the world of wildlife, recording data on lion pride, assisting with animal interventions, and documenting a diverse range of species, including rhinoceros, cheetahs, giraffes, and bushbucks.
Liv credits her parents, Michelle and Ray Stone, for their unwavering support and belief in her abilities. Throughout her athletic journey, she has also been guided and mentored by surfing legends such as Bethany Hamilton and Rob Machado, who have inspired her to push beyond her limits and strive for excellence.
Despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way, Liv Stone has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience in the world of para surfing. Her remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, courage, and unwavering determination. As she continues to chase her dreams and inspire others with her incredible story, there is no doubt that Liv Stone's legacy will endure for generations to come.