Sunrise -Gueston Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington has unveiled his tragic connection with the shattered family of a teenage girl who is being destroyed by a shark – while her father opened the dream that his teenage daughter will never realize.
Charlize Zmuda, 17, swam on Monday afternoon on Woorim Beach on Bribie Island on the southeast coast of Queensland when she was attacked.
Her father Steven Zmuda appeared on Wednesday at the sunrise of Channel Seven when Shirvo revealed that he was walking a beach relay with the grieving father.
“You and I ran together to Asic West in state relay and you were undoubtedly a good runner,” he told Mr. Zmuda.
“The thing I loved today was seeing the outpouring the flowers and the people on the beach, she will be remembered so well by your community.”
Shirvo said his thoughts were with the family while they processed the loss of Charlize.
“Thank you, and in this interview I actually spoke more with you than when we were Relay, Matt, so thanks,” said Mr. Smuda.
“I think it was one word, it was 'hand' when you passed the baton,” Shirvo joked.
Charlize Zmuda, 17, swam on Monday afternoon on Woorim Beach on Bribie Island on the southeast coast of Queensland when she was attacked
Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington (Left) revealed that he would be deadly pulled by a shark with Mr. Zmuda in Queensland's State Relay Team for decades before his teenage daughter would be pulled by a shark
Nat Barr came close to tears when Mr. Zmuda revealed the last wish of his daughter.
“So, Charlize, her great love was music. I wanted her to be a sandpiper as her father used to be, but I couldn't convince her, “he said.
“She was a nicker from the age of eight in our club. She continued, as I told a few people, to be our Nipper Club captain a few years ago when I was the head of Bribie Island Nippers.
'She was vice captain of the patrol, she wanted to be a patrol captain. I just want her to be remembered, that's all. '
Mr. Zmuda encouraged Australians to return to the beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags.
“The only thing she did wrong on that day was that she didn't swim between the flags and I insisted on her to swim between the red and yellow flags,” he said.
More than 2,000 locals gathered for an emotional wake on the beach, which was also attended by Charlize's family and friends on Tuesday evening.
Flowers were placed in the water, together with illuminated candles and later released bright green and yellow balloons in the air.
Charlize (photo) was the vice-captain of her patrol in Bribie Beach before she died
Women hug Tuesday evening in a wake for Charlize for Bribie Island
Steven Zmuda (center) appeared on Wednesday at the sunrise of Channel Seven to share how he would remember his beloved daughter Charlize
Mr. Zmuda spoke to the crowd from a circle that formed on the beach before he put the first of many candles.
Other family members also shared stories and sincere tribute about the 17-year-old while mourning locals embraced each other.
Charlize was a resident of Bribie Island and a surfing savior in need for the local club.
Her family and friends got up early on Tuesday morning to look at the sunrise on Woorim Beach, where Charlize swam every day.
She was attacked while swimming 100 meters offshore on the southeastern tip of the island with the police who rushed to the coast after beachgoers heard 'penetrating' screams.
People initially thought that Charlize was caught in a crack, but it soon became clear that she had sustained 'catastrophic' injuries on her upper arm and hull.
Woorim Beach remains closed until at least Friday.
