When Mick Fanning fought off a great white shark during the J-Bay Open World Surf League event in 2015, it instantly became an iconic tale that reverberated through the surfing community and beyond. The dramatic encounter, which unfolded on July 19, 2015, not only showcased Fanning’s bravery but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the inherent risks that come with surfing at a professional level.
Reflecting on that harrowing moment nearly a decade later, Fanning recounted how he felt a surge of adrenaline immediately after the attack. In an interview on the podcast “The Imperfects,” he described the initial aftermath as a euphoric high, where the adrenaline coursed through him, allowing him to push through the immediate shock. “I was so high, like, my adrenaline was through the roof,” he recalled, noting that he even felt fine until he encountered a friend’s wife, which triggered a wave of emotions.
Fanning admitted that he didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of the situation while it was happening. “I didn’t think it was that big of a shark when I was in the moment,” he said. However, upon seeing footage of the incident later, the reality hit him hard. “When I saw the size of it, I was just like, ‘Holy s–t’. And that’s when it all sort of sunk in.” This moment of realization marked a turning point for Fanning, as he began to process the gravity of what had transpired.
The emotional toll of the experience became evident when he broke down after seeing his friend’s wife, a mother herself. “I almost fell down and that was like a big moment that I realized that sh-t, like, that could have been it,” he shared. This encounter allowed all the pent-up emotions to surface, revealing the vulnerability that lay beneath his brave exterior.
In the wake of the attack, Fanning and his friends gathered for a party that felt eerily like a wake. “One minute everyone’s laughing, the next minute everyone’s crying,” he described, illustrating the complex emotions that filled the room. The juxtaposition of joy and sorrow reflected the weight of the experience, leaving everyone feeling tender and raw.
As the days turned into weeks, Fanning found himself grappling with the psychological aftermath of the attack. “The weeks afterwards were the hardest, I guess,” he admitted. Nightmares plagued him, often waking him in the early hours, drenched in sweat and fear. “I’d wake up just kicking the sheets off or whatever,” he said, revealing the deep-seated anxiety that lingered long after the incident.
During this challenging period, Fanning sought help from a sports psychologist and various doctors. It was a conversation with a military friend, who had faced a life-threatening situation himself, that provided him with a new perspective. His friend’s advice—to keep moving forward despite the fear—resonated deeply with Fanning. This mindset became a cornerstone of his recovery, allowing him to confront his fears head-on.
Determined not to let the shark attack define him, Fanning felt an urge to return to the water less than a week later. “I didn’t want to drag out the process, either and make it a big mental hurdle for myself,” he wrote in a piece for the Daily Telegraph. The moment he hit the water again, he felt a sense of relief, although he acknowledged that he was more on edge than ever before.
Despite the challenges he faced, Fanning has maintained a perspective of gratitude. He recognizes that while he has endured significant hardships—including the shark attack, a marriage breakdown, and the loss of three brothers—others have faced even greater struggles. “People might look at me and say, ‘yeah you’ve been through some hell and yeah, I have,’” he reflected, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of adversity.
Fanning’s story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of fear and trauma. His journey from a terrifying encounter with a great white shark to a renewed commitment to life and surfing illustrates the strength of the human spirit. For those grappling with their own challenges, Fanning’s experience offers hope and inspiration, encouraging individuals to confront their fears and keep moving forward, no matter how daunting the waves may seem.
