The J-Bay Open surfing competition in South Africa was cancelled after the professional surfer, Mick Fanning, survived a horrible shark attack on Sunday, July 19.
The said terrifying close encounter by the three-time world champion surfer with a shark was captured on live television, such a breath-taking and shocking experience for everyone.
The World Surf League (WSL) repealed the finals hours after the attack.
Shark attack is one of the dangers of professional surfing.
How Fanning Wins the 'Real Battle'
Shark at #JBayOpen. Thankfully, Mick Fanning is unharmed. https://t.co/8ETLBvoxjv
— Sebas (@Sebasmkc) July 20, 2015
Catch the 'live' video coverage here: (The video contains some strong expression.)
Julian Wilson: Hailed as a Hero
It was not just Fanning. Another finalist, Aussie surfer Julian Wilson, was also in the water during the shark encounter. Wilson hurriedly paddled his way, moving closely to Fanning, to help. During this shark mishap, these two gents were applauded by the world for they've shown them acts of bravery, heroism, and sportsmanship.
.@Mick_Fanning wasn't alone - @julian_wilson on the #JBayOpen shark encounter: https://t.co/Nwfr7XdCQC https://t.co/QbzddP2QNb — #JBayOpen (@wsl) July 19, 2015
How rivals can be real, true friends...
This moment captures many hearts.
A hug that means so much... Fanning would be forever grateful.
So thankful to be able to have this hug with @julian_wilson this man came to my aid like a warrior!! It was by far the scariest thing I have ever been through and am still rattled. In our sport we always think about sharks and know we are in their domain. Many thanks to all the people that have reached out and sent their wishes. Jbay is an incredible place and I will go back one day. Thanks to the @wsl announcers and water patrol for being on top of us and the care they showed us and to all my friends on tour that were by my side. Love you all. A photo posted by Mick Fanning (@mfanno) on Jul 20, 2015 at 7:39am PDT
Kelly Slater, 11-time world surfing champion, has also consoled his rival Fanning by giving him a 'caring embrace' to show his concern to his surfing fellow.
Glad to know this guy and even happier that he swam/walked away unscathed. The only mark on him is a… https://t.co/9QRpAbcHNy — Kelly Slater (@kellyslater) July 20, 2015
Glad to know this guy and even happier that he swam/walked away unscathed. The only mark on him is a… https://t.co/9QRpAbcHNy — Kelly Slater (@kellyslater) July 20, 2015
Our creative folks share their time and talents, too.
There is only one thing #MickFanning says to sharks: pic.twitter.com/RWVjNUbtUP — Sam Spettigue (@ninjaspag) July 19, 2015
Current scenes in South Africa after the shark just checked Twitter #JBayOpen #mickfanning pic.twitter.com/mwPAuBhj5o
— Paul Riordan (@PaulRiordan) July 19, 2015
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