In a truly Aussie understatement, pro surfer Mick Fanning said he was simply "tripping out" after surviving a terrifying shark attack on Sunday.
Looking visibly shaken in an interview not long after the dramatic incident at the J-Bay Open surf competition in South Africa, the Australian seemed to be still processing the situation.
Fanning said he had only a small depression in his board and a bitten leg rope to show for the shark versus man face-off. "I'm totally fine. Got nothing wrong with me," he said.
"It's so gnarly man," he added in a post-match interview. The day's competition was cancelled, but Fanning was by no means eager to get back in the water. "Man, I'm happy to not even compete ever again. To walk away from that, I'm just so stoked."
Fanning may have been a man of few words after fighting off a massive shark, but the rest of the surfing world had nothing but praise for the champion surfer who kept extremely cool under pressure.
Truly one of the heaviest things I have ever seen. So glad everyone is okay. @Mick_Fanning @julian_wilson thinking of you both. — Lakey Peterson (@LakeyPeterson) July 19, 2015
Incredibly happy @Mick_Fanning and @julian_wilson are ok. Holy sh*t!!! #angels— Stephanie Gilmore (@Steph_gilmore) July 19, 2015
COURAGEOUS is an understatement. Mad love and respect for these two. @Mick_Fanning @julian_wilson pic.twitter.com/PCK7om3SOp— Coco Ho (@coco_ho) July 19, 2015
So so relieved @Mick_Fanning & @julian_wilson made it out of lineup unharmed after Mick was terrifyingly attacked by a shark at #JBayOpen— Sally Fitzgibbons (@Sally_Fitz) July 19, 2015
Thanks the Lord @Mick_Fanning is OK too crazy— brett simpson (@BrettSimpo) July 19, 2015
Australian celebrities, sportspeople and politicians also weighed in, with everyone from Russell Crowe to Tim Cahill expressing their thanks Fanning was safe and sound after the wild incident.
Wow @Mick_Fanning shark attack! Good go see your ok champion. Scary footage!!— jarryd hayne (@jarrydhayne_1) July 19, 2015
Oh man, Mick Fanning post shark attack interview was hilarious. So glad nothing bad happened. My heart was racing just watching. #champion— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) July 19, 2015
Relieved that @Mick_Fanning and Coolum local @julian_wilson are safe after the incident at J-Bay.— Clive Palmer (@CliveFPalmer) July 19, 2015
Thank goodness @mick_fanning is OK. #qldr— AnnastaciaPalaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) July 19, 2015
The most frightening thing I've ever scene in a sporting event @Mick_Fanning attacked by shark #safenow #thankgod #JBay— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) July 19, 2015
Well in @Mick_Fanning now that's the way to deal with a shark. happy that u come out untouched mate— Tim Cahill (@Tim_Cahill) July 19, 2015
After the attack, the rest of the J-Bay Open was called off.
"We are incredibly grateful that no one was seriously injured today. 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," the World Surf League said in a statement.
"The safety of our athletes is a priority for the WSL and, after discussions with both Finalists, we have decided to cancel the remainder of competition at the J-Bay Open."