Australian surfer and three-time world champion, Mick Fanning, continues to have flashbacks of a horrifying shark attack that occurred during a live TV broadcast in July 2015.
Competing at Jeffreys in South Africa, Fanning found himself in a life-threatening situation when a three-meter-long great white shark approached him from behind, catching him completely off guard.
The shark pulled Fanning underwater for a tense nine seconds, creating a terrifying ordeal for the surfer. Miraculously, Fanning managed to fight off the shark by punching it and eventually reached safety.
Reflecting on the incident, Fanning expressed his gratitude for the fortunate outcome. He admitted to still experiencing flashbacks and hearing the splashes of the encounter when coming up for air.
Despite the traumatic experience, Fanning’s passion for surfing remained unshaken. Just one week after the attack, he returned to the sea and even achieved a runner-up position in the competition he was participating in at the time.
Fanning’s resilience and determination were further demonstrated when he agreed to face sharks once again for the National Geographic documentary “Save This Shark.” He went cage diving and confronted his fears, acknowledging the importance of these incredible creatures and their role in the ocean.
The experience provided healing and answered lingering questions for Fanning, solidifying his understanding of the significance of sharks in the marine ecosystem.
