Shark attack hero breaks through for Iron Series win

Detailed summary

An emotional Charlie Verco describes his journey from a shark-attack rescue to a maiden Iron Series win as a "roller coaster".

Surf lifesaver Charlie Verco has claimed his maiden win in the Iron Series, just five months after saving a woman's life in a shark attack.

Verco paddled towards the danger and pulled the unconscious Leah Stewart from the surf at Coogee Beach.

Verco beat home Ethan Callaghan and Henry Simpson in a breakthrough victory, which comes after the 25-year-old had entered this year's Iron Series as the top seed following the legendary Ali Day's retirement.

An emotional Charlie Verco has described his journey from a shark-attack rescue to a maiden Iron Series win as a "roller coaster".

Five months after saving Leah Stewart at Coogee Beach, Verco claimed the third round of the series by prevailing in a sprint finish in Sunday's race at Thirroul Beach.

In June, the 25-year-old paddled towards the danger and pulled the unconscious woman from the surf.

After 12 days in a critical condition in hospital and a series of surgeries to amputate her arm, Stewart woke from an induced coma and was reunited with her daughter.

"Being able to manage the ups and downs of it, like the stressful rescue with Leah — I'm so happy that she was able to be alright," Verco said.

"It meant that I was able to keep focused on what I love, which is the sport.

Opening of the article, excerpted from ABC News Australia. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.