A Brazilian surfer, Gabriel Medina, made waves at the Paris Olympics with a photo that went viral. The image shows Medina appearing to hover above the ocean, celebrating his performance during the men’s surfing competition at Teahupo’o in Tahiti. This incredible moment occurred during the fifth heat when Medina scored a 9.90, breaking the Olympic surfing record for the highest single-wave score since the sport became official at the Tokyo Olympics.
Facing off against Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi, whom he lost to at the Tokyo Games in 2021, Medina seized the opportunity during his second run of the fifth heat. Flying down the barrel and then propelling himself over the back of the wave, he raised his finger to the sky in celebration, resulting in the breathtaking photo that has captivated audiences worldwide.
In an interview with Olympics.com, Medina expressed his excitement about competing in such incredible waves for the Olympics, describing it as a dream come true. Despite being favored to win the gold by NBC Sports broadcasters, he acknowledges that there are still two more rounds to go before the final outcome is determined.
The viral photo that captured Medina’s gravity-defying moment was taken by Agence France-Presse photographer Jerome Brouillet. According to Brouillet, capturing the shot was all about anticipating the right moment and knowing where Medina would kick off the wave. The surfer’s exuberance and skill were evident in the image, with Brouillet noting that Medina seemed to realize he was on one of the biggest waves of the day.
Since the photo was shared online, it has quickly become one of the most widely circulated images of the Paris Olympics on social media, showcasing the awe-inspiring athleticism and talent on display in the surfing competition. Despite taking place thousands of miles away from Paris, the impact of Medina’s remarkable performance has resonated with people around the world, highlighting the universal appeal of the Olympic Games and the incredible feats achieved by athletes like Gabriel Medina.