Mick Fanning reveals what REALLY happened when he was attacked by a Great White Shark at J-Bay 

‘I’ve had time to stop and enjoy it’: Surfing hero Mick Fanning reflects on life after retirement and reveals what REALLY happened when he was attacked by a Great White Shark

  • Mick Fanning was attacked by a great white shark during surf championships
  • He has revealed that during that moment he thought he was going to die 
  • Since retiring Fanning said he doesn’t talk about the attack as he has moved on  

Retired Australian surf hero Mick Fanning has recalled the events in South Africa when he fought off a monster shark, revealing he didn’t think he’d make it back to shore alive.  

Fanning was competing at the World Surf League Championship Tour in the J-Bay Open in July 2015, when ‘things got interesting’. 

Four minutes into the competition a great white shark circled him. 

Mick Fanning released how lucky he was to be alive after a terrifying encounter with a shark almost killed him in 2015

‘I thought I was going to die. I guess everyone watching on from the beach that day, and on the live broadcast all over the world, thought the exact same thing,’ Fanning told Stellar. 

Jet skis immediately came to rescue Fanning, who punched the animal in the nose as he made his escape.

While he was on a water-safety boat he said he was laughing and chatting as the experience had been surreal. 

He knew how lucky he was to be alive when he arrived back to shore and hugged his friends which brought a ‘different feeling.’  

He has revealed he doesn't talk about the incident not because he is afraid but he has moved on

He has revealed he doesn’t talk about the incident not because he is afraid but he has moved on

Since retiring, he revealed he doesn’t like to talk about the encounter, and has embraced being ‘unchained’ from the life of professional surfing. 

‘I’ve loved the freedom of travelling, of being unchained to an event schedule. I’ve had more time to stop and enjoy the places and cultures I visit now,’ he said. 

A week after the attack, Fanning had the urge to go back into the ocean and said he felt better as soon as he entered the water.

He has revealed he doesn’t talk about the incident not because he is afraid but he has moved on.  

‘I’ve always considered myself a visitor to the ocean. We are aware of the dangers when we paddle out and make the choice to enter their realm.’   

A week after the attack, Fanning had the urge to go back into the ocean and said he felt better as soon as he entered the water

A week after the attack, Fanning had the urge to go back into the ocean and said he felt better as soon as he entered the water

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