Shark attack survivor speaks publicly, shares recovery update

Leah Stewart, a 34-year-old Australian schoolteacher, has spoken publicly for the first time since surviving a severe shark attack, crediting thoughts of her young daughter with giving her the will to fight for her life. Stewart was attacked by a suspected great white shark while swimming near the shore at Sydney's Coogee Beach on June 13, 2026. The attack left Stewart with life-threatening injuries, including multiple bites to her arms and legs. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where she was placed in a medically induced coma for nearly two weeks and underwent several surgeries. One of her arms was ultimately amputated.