Shark attack hero breaks through for Iron Series win

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.

"But realistically, we all do this sport as part of surf lifesaving. It certainly doesn't feel like we were doing a race like that.

"It feels like we're all just really wanting to win and compete against each other.

"But I like that we have the skills to be able to go and help people when they need it."

"It is a step up to try and put yourself at the front of the race as opposed to just being happy that you're here," Verco said.

"And for so long that was my goal, was just to get here. It's all about confidence.

"I've spent a long time doing races trying to get myself comfortable being at the front and setting my own pace, and I think that definitely helps."

Naomi Scott took out the women's event, with the Northcliffe athlete pipping Emma Woods in a sprint up the beach.

Before the Iron Series heads to Newcastle in January, Scott will travel to South Africa next week to defend her global Ironwoman title at the world lifesaving championships.