Mick Fanning’s amazing J-Bay Open win inspires Gold Coast locals
MICK Fanning’s domination in his return J-Bay Open inspires junior surfers across the Gold Coast
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MICK Fanning’s domination in his return J-Bay Open has amazed elite athletes who can’t believe his success, inspired junior surfers and helped heal the wounds of fellow shark attack victims.
Fanning overcame an attack by a great white shark, the tragic death of his brother Peter and the breakup of his marriage in the 12 months leading up to his win in the final Saturday night.
While the world is gobsmacked the 35-year-old’s fellow Kirra Surfrider club mate Kaleb McCormack had full confidence in his idol.
“I think he is really amazing, ”said the Currumbin local who nothing but a Mick Fanning jersey for his 11th birthday this year.
Fellow elite Gold Coast athletes who have overcome serious trauma tipped their hats to the three-time world champion.
Top Gold Coast jockey Dan Griffin smashed his left knee in a sickening three-horse fall at the Gold Coast Turf Club in November, 2012.
“It’s better than coming back from a race fall because I’m scared of sharks,” Griffin said of Fanning’s effort.
Supercars speedster James Courtney fractured ribs and had a punctured lung when a low-flying helicopter flung debris at him in Sydney last year.
“Any win is a massive achievement but to do it after everything that has gone on for him over the last 12 months is a credit to the person he (Fanning) is,” Courtney said.
The win has healed some mental wounds to shark attack victim and Bite Club founder Dave Pearson, who survived a great white shark that ripped open his left arm and gouged his forehead five years ago.
He said the return to the water would have been a healing experience.
“There will be a bit of fear there forever, but it would have been a healing experience for (Fanning),” Mr Pearson said.
“You couldn’t have asked for a better return to the ocean, it sounds like he’s made piece with the ocean.
“He’s copped some fair decent wipe-outs in and out of the water,” Pearson said.
Mr Pearson said the club of 250 members across Australia, where fifty have suffered shark attacks, couldn’t think more highly of Fanning.
“Mick is a champion for everyone in our group.”
Kirra Surfrider president Paul Sheehan said he’s been watching a side of Fanning he hasn’t seen for years.
“There’s the young Mick and the competition Mick and we’ve been seeing a younger version,” Mr Sheehan said.
“It’s a massive thing and the win is so good for him to wind down after last year.
“The young surfers around here all idolise him so much.”
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