We got the tragic news that a fellow triathlete was attacked by a shark here in Southern California whilst training this morning. Coming from Australia, the fear of sharks is real and I, for one, have a huge shark phobia. I often swim out along the back of the break in the sea both here in the USA and very often at home in Australia. I never seem to be able to relax because of this fear I have for sharks. Most of my friends give me a hard time but my years of surfing and some close calls with them over the years has really added to my fear.

Today a small group of triathletes were swimming only 150 yards off shore in Solana Beach, San Diego, when the shark attacked and killed one of the swimmers. It was tragic news, but whenever we swim in their domain we are open to the dangers of the sea. Ironically I received this photo this morning from a close friend. The photo was apparently taken in Australia and she told me she would never swim in Australian waters, if this was what we had to put up with.

I am pretty sure the photo is not real but the story behind this photo was that this couple dived off their boat in the southern waters in South Australia. When their son dived in to take the photo as well he freaked out as he snapped the shot and swam to the surface. The couple followed him totally unaware of the danger they were in. It was only when they were on the boat and the captain told them about the shark that they started to believe the story. And then they got the photo developed. It is a hard story to believe but a good one anyway. I have seen many sharks in my life growing up on the beach surfing and my phobia is huge.

This photo captured all my fears in one. Hearing about a fellow triathlete being killed today by a great white shark added more to my phobia, and now my answer to all my friends and people who tell me I am stupid to worry……. well, maybe I am not. My condolences go out to all the family and friends of the Triathlete who was killed this morning whilst swim training in the sea.