Alabama Teen Shark Attack Survivor Feels ‘Grateful’ and Hopes to Compete in the Paralympics After Losing Limbs

More than a year after surviving a devastating shark attack during a family trip to Florida, Alabama teenager Lulu Gribbin is opening up about her recovery and the positive path she is choosing to follow.

The 16-year-old, who lost two limbs in the June 2024 incident, says she is “grateful” to still be alive and is now working toward an ambitious new goal - to one day become a Paralympic athlete.

Details of the 2024 Shark Attack in Florida

At the time of the attack, Lulu Gribbin was just 15 years old and swimming off Seacrest Beach in Walton County, Florida, about four miles out near the first sandbar. According to South Walton Fire District Chief Ryan Crawford, the teenager was suddenly attacked by a shark while in the water with friends.Her mother, Ann Gribbin, revealed that the shark bit off Lulu’s left hand, and doctors were later forced to amputate her right leg halfway between the knee and hip due to the extent of her injuries.

Lulu Gribbin’s Recollection of the Terrifying Encounter

In a new interview with ABC News, Lulu Gribbin recounted the moments leading up to the attack. She explained that she first heard a friend scream, then caught a fleeting “glimpse” of a shadow moving toward her.“I just saw a shadow, but I never saw a tail or a fin. I never saw its eye,” she told Good Morning America’s Michael Strahan.

Within moments, Lulu realized something was terribly wrong. “I just remember being like, ‘Whoa.’ I looked down and I was like, ‘This is really happening.’” She noticed her left hand was gone but did not feel the bite itself.

Sister Ellie’s Role in Keeping Lulu Calm

Lulu’s twin sister, Ellie, was with her during the ordeal and played a critical role in helping her stay calm as rescuers worked to get her back to shore.“I just knew, kind of what she needed and what she needed to hear at the time.

Because there was so much going on, so much commotion,” Ellie told ABC News. “I just had to be there for her.”

Emergency Surgeries and a Long Recovery

Once on shore, Lulu Gribbin was rushed to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, where doctors performed emergency surgery. Ann said her daughter lost nearly two-thirds of her blood during the ordeal but managed to survive.Lulu remained hospitalized for two months, undergoing multiple surgeries, including a targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) procedure.

According to the National Library of Medicine, this surgery helps improve the control of upper-limb prostheses, aiding patients like Lulu Gribbin in adapting to prosthetic attachments.

Finding New Passion Through Sports

Sports have been central to Lulu’s recovery. She has explored multiple activities, including golf, slalom waterskiing, and track, all of which have given her motivation and joy during her rehabilitation.Lulu even has special golf attachments for her prosthetics, allowing her to continue playing.

“Sometimes I’ll play golf with one leg or I’ll play with my prosthetic and this leg,” she explained.Most notably, Lulu has now relearned how to run, fueling her dream of one day competing in the Paralympics. “That’s one of my goals,” she said, adding confidently, “Why not?”

Grateful Outlook and Strong Support System

Through it all, Lulu has remained remarkably optimistic. Reflecting on the morning after her surgeries, she said, “My life was on the line, and I was grateful that I got to wake up that morning.”She credits her resilience not only to her own determination but also to the unwavering support of her family and friends. “I’m focused on getting better not only for myself, but for them,” she shared.Also read: Mike Tyson Admits to Using Fentanyl for Pain Relief During His Boxing Career: “It Was Like Heroin!”Lulu’s story stands as a powerful reminder of perseverance, turning unimaginable trauma into motivation - with her sights now set on the world stage of the Paralympics.