'Like fighting a dinosaur': Sydney woman recalls how she punched shark during attack

A Sydney woman, Leah Stewart, has recounted her terrifying encounter with a 4-meter great white shark during an attack at Coogee Beach in June. The 34-year-old mother was dragged under the water as the shark bit into her thigh and arm, causing severe blood loss and injuries so grave that doctors amputated her left arm. In a recent interview, Stewart described her determination to survive for the sake of her infant daughter.

"You are not taking me away from my daughter," she recalled thinking, as she fought back tears. Moments before the attack, Stewart had finished her regular Saturday morning swim and was returning to shore when she heard a girl behind her scream. Turning around, she saw a massive fin and realized it was not a dolphin. As the shark drew closer, its face with black beady eyes and massive teeth came into view, just 30cm away.

Despite the shark's relentless pull, Stewart managed to repeatedly punch the shark, comparing the experience to "fighting a dinosaur." After what felt like an eternity, the shark eventually let her go, allowing her to make it back to shore with the help of other swimmers. Stewart was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent nearly a dozen surgeries and was placed in an induced coma.

Despite the harrowing ordeal, Stewart emphasized that she wants to be remembered for her bravery rather than being labeled as "a girl that got mauled on the beach."