Surfer Mick Fanning attacked by shark on live TV

Surfing champ fights off shark attack on live TV

The shark fled after surfer Mick Fanning punched it in the back

A surfing champion survived a shark attack on live TV.

Australian Mick Fanning was competing Sunday in the finals of South Africa’s J-Bay Open when a familiar-looking fin popped up behind him.

“I was just sitting there, I was just about to start moving and then I felt something grab…get stuck in my leg rope,” the 34-year-old Fanning told FoxSports. “I instantly just jumped and he kept coming at my board. I was just kicking and screaming.

“I saw fins. I was waiting for the teeth. I punched him in the back!”
— Mick Fanning

“I saw fins. I was waiting for the teeth. I punched him in the back!”

The J-Bay Open ended in a cancellation with Fanning and his finals opponent, Julian Wilson, splitting the points and prize money.

The World Surf League said there were two sharks and that Fanning and Wilson were rescued by jet-skis, according to the BBC.

“We are incredibly grateful that no one was seriously injured today,” a statement from the WSL began. “Mick’s composure and quick acting in the face of a terrifying situation was nothing short of heroic and the rapid response of our Water Safety personnel was commendable – they are truly world class at what they do.”