A group of Australian radio hosts have publicly questioned the detailed account of Leah Stewart, a woman who survived a shark attack and lost an arm, suggesting her story may be embellished. Stewart, 35, recently shared her experience on the television program 60 Minutes, recounting the moments leading up to and during the attack at Sydney's Coogee Beach on June 13.
During the interview, Stewart described a period where time seemed to slow down, allowing her to consciously decide to punch the shark with her left arm, which she deemed more expendable. She also recalled seeing the predator's "black little beady eyes" before it attacked.
Melbourne radio personalities Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola, and Nick Cody, from 101.9 The Fox, voiced skepticism on Tuesday. They played a portion of Stewart's interview and suggested she had too much time to think during the mauling. "I've never been in this position and I wouldn't understand what would go on, but if a shark was attacking you, you wouldn't have much time to think," Fevola stated. Box added that "most people say you don't even know what's happening."
Fevola was particularly critical of Stewart's recollection of choosing which arm to lose. "Come on, oh right or left? Like bro, you are amazing - you punched a shark in the face and survived - but you're not thinking all that," he said, using the colloquialism "a lot of mayo" to imply exaggeration.
Box initially attempted to offer a counterpoint, mentioning professional surfer Mick Fanning's similar encounter with a shark, during which Fanning reported acting purely on reflex. However, Fevola remained unconvinced.
Stewart, a teacher and mother to a one-year-old daughter, was swimming between the flags near the shore when a four-meter great white shark attacked. Her survival was aided by the presence of off-duty medical personnel on the beach and world champion paddleboarder Charlie Verco, who assisted in getting her to shore. The attack was the first recorded at Coogee Beach in over a century. Stewart was placed in a medically induced coma for 10 days following the incident. She sustained extensive damage to her left leg and right arm, necessitating the amputation of her left arm. She has spoken about the ongoing challenges of adjusting to her disability, while also focusing on recovery and celebrating small achievements like regaining the ability to brush her own teeth.
Stewart's account of time dilation during high-stress events aligns with scientific concepts. Neuroscientist David Eagleman's research, which led to the "Matrix Effect," suggests that the human brain can perceive time as slowing down during dangerous situations, accompanied by hyper-focus and heightened sensory input. Brain scans have shown that areas like the cingulate cortex and amygdala become active during such events.