Charlie Verco became a familiar name across Sydney after helping save a woman following a shark attack at Coogee Beach. Just weeks later, the Bondi-raised Ironman has reached another milestone, setting a new world record while claiming a fourth straight Moloka’i to O’ahu Paddleboard World Championship title in Hawaii.
Read: Coogee Shark Attack Survivor Leah Stewart Awake And Alert
The 25-year-old completed the gruelling 52-kilometre crossing in 4 hours, 18 minutes and 3 seconds, setting a new world record while securing his fourth consecutive Moloka’i to O’ahu Paddleboard World Championship title. The achievement follows the dramatic rescue of 35-year-old Leah Stewart, who was seriously injured in a shark attack at Coogee Beach on 13 June.
Verco helped paddle Stewart through bloodied water to shore, where she received emergency treatment before being airlifted to hospital. Media reports later revealed the pair had spoken after the incident, with Verco giving the school teacher time and space to continue her recovery with family.
Conquering One of the World’s Toughest Ocean Races
The Moloka’i to O’ahu Paddleboard World Championship is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most demanding events. Competitors cross Hawaii’s Ka’iwi Channel, covering about 52 kilometres through waters known for powerful currents, unpredictable conditions and abundant marine life.
Verco’s latest victory places him among a select group of athletes to have won the championship four times since it began 27 years ago. The record-breaking performance further strengthens an already impressive résumé in elite paddleboarding.
Before this year’s race, Verco described the Ka’iwi Channel as one of the world’s most challenging ocean crossings. The route is home to sharks, sea turtles and other marine life, with changing conditions that require constant concentration from competitors.
Rescue Reshaped His Perspective
Despite years of experience competing in open water, Verco has acknowledged that the Coogee rescue changed the way he approaches the ocean.
In media interviews before the championship, he said he had become more cautious about paddling alone, particularly in Australian waters because of the number of shark sightings. While years of training had built confidence in the surf, the events at Coogee left a lasting impression on how he assesses the risks of open-water paddling.
Read: Coogee’s Shark Attacks of the Early 1900s Remembered After Sydney Harbour Incident
Away from competition, Verco is also a graduate of the University of Sydney, holding degrees in advanced mathematics and computer science while competing full-time as an Ironman.
His latest world title and world record mark another significant achievement in an already distinguished sporting career. For many people across Sydney, however, Verco is best remembered for his calm response during the Coogee shark attack, when his quick actions helped bring an injured swimmer safely back to shore.
Published 31-July-2026
