VIRAL: Man attacked by shark at finals of surfing competition

 

Australian surfer Mick Fanning was all set to ride the waves as he tried to defend his J-Bay Open title in South Africa this weekend when he had an unexpected visitor.

 

The World Surf League star was attacked by a shark in the middle of the finals of the competition.

 

"I was just sitting there and I felt something just get stuck in my leg rope, and I was kicking trying to get it away," Fanning said. "I punched him in the back.

 

"I instantly just jumped away. It kept coming at my board and I was kicking and screaming. I just saw fins. I was waiting for the teeth."

 

Thankfully for Fanning, he came away unscathed as the competition was suspended for a day. 

 

"We are incredibly grateful that no one was seriously injured today," the WSL said in a statement. —JST, GMA News