It was the footage even your mum was talking about and now Mick Fanning’s internet breaking tussle with old man shark at J-Bay has seen White Lightning being nominated for The Don.

What’s The Don you ask? Why, it’s an award which recognises the Australian athlete who has most inspired the nation and it appears Mick’s 100 billion views on YouTube did just that.

The award is of course named in honour of the greatest sportsman Australia has ever known, Don Bradman.

But wait, there’s more. Julian Wilson, who swam to Fanning’s aid, is also in the running as is Sally Fitz, who surfed her way to victory at Cloudbreak with a perforated eardrum.

They’ll be up against newly minted number one golfer in the world, Jason Day, newly minted NFL superstar, Jarryd Hayne and the entire squad of the Socceroos.

Previous winners include Winter Olympian, Steven Bradbury, (Yep, the guy who didn’t fall), Shane Warne, Ian Thorpe and Glenn McGrath (recently lambasted for his trophy hunting prowess).

Winners will be announced at Sport Australia’s annual Hall of Fame soiree in October.

Interestingly, winners of The Don are not inducted into the Hall of Fame, for that they must wait till they’ve retired from competition.