Mick Fanning

Three World Championship titles and the man who escaped a shark attack during the J-Bay Open final in 2015 — one of sport's most extraordinary moments.

Born in Penrith, New South Wales, and raised on the Gold Coast, Michael Eugene Fanning discovered surfing as a child and quickly demonstrated exceptional natural ability. Growing up in one of Australia's premier surfing regions, he developed his skills on the challenging breaks of the Gold Coast, where consistent waves and competitive local surf culture provided an ideal training ground. His early promise led to junior competition success and eventual qualification for the World Championship Tour. Fanning's professional career reached its zenith during the 2000s and 2010s, when he established himself among surfing's elite competitors. His breakthrough came with his first World Championship title in 2007, followed by victories in 2009 and 2013. These triumphs showcased his versatility across different wave conditions and his ability to perform under pressure during crucial heats. His surfing style combined technical precision with an aggressive approach, particularly effective in powerful waves that suited his explosive maneuvers and tactical awareness. The defining moment of Fanning's career occurred during the 2015 J-Bay Open final in South Africa, when a great white shark approached him during competition. The incident, broadcast live to a global audience, became one of sport's most dramatic moments. His calm response and quick thinking during the encounter earned widespread admiration beyond the surfing community. Beyond this singular event, his three World Championships place him among an exclusive group of multiple title winners in professional surfing's modern era. Fanning's impact on competitive surfing extends beyond his championship victories. His consistency at the highest level throughout a career spanning more than two decades helped elevate the sport's profile, particularly in Australia where he became a household name. His technical innovations and competitive approach influenced a generation of surfers, while his professionalism and sportsmanship set standards for athlete conduct. Following his retirement from full-time competition, his legacy endures as one of Australia's greatest surfing champions.

Aggressive, high-performance surfing with exceptional barrel riding and aerial maneuvers

One of Australia's greatest competitive surfers who helped define modern professional surfing

• WSL World Champion 3x (2007 2009 2013)
• Survived live-broadcast shark attack 2015