Gabriel Medina became the «face of the Olympics» after a viral photo of him surfing
31 july 2024 в 09:37
Olympic champion Gabriel Medina went viral after a perfect shot of his surfing became popular on the internet, becoming the «Olympic photo», - according to an operator working at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The 30-year-old surfer competed on the third day of the games, defeating Tokyo 2021 surfing champion Kanoa Igarashi. With this victory came a legendary photo, capturing Medina with his index finger raised in the air, his surfboard in a perfect pose behind him. This shot, along with his almost perfect score of 9.90, became the highest-rated wave in Olympic history.
Medina expressed his excitement about the Olympics, saying: «It was amazing to catch good waves, and I almost got a 10, so I was really happy about that. It was truly a dream come true to compete on such waves at the Olympics. It was really in my dream, and I realize it today, and I am very happy to be part of this».
Gabriel Medina shared impressive photos on Instagram, captioning: «I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13». This brought him many praises from his loyal fans, who wrote: «Vamos!»
While surfing at Teahupo’o in Tahiti, known for its amazing waves, he noted: «I am happy because I caught many waves and because the conditions were very good. It’s not often you get such waves. It’s hard to find, so you have to make the most of every moment».
The impressive Brazilian Olympian had previously participated in the Tokyo 2021 Games, where he finished fourth. Despite not making it to the podium that year, he remains passionate about the sport since starting at the age of eight, always striving for perfection. «I think what I do in my life is the legacy I will leave. So every time I get in the barrel, I try to do it as best as I can, because it’s very beautiful to be an example for children», - said Medina to the organization.
Gabriel, who has brought pride to Brazil as a three-time world champion, now has another chance to win the title, competing against his compatriot João Chianki
The 30-year-old surfer competed on the third day of the games, defeating Tokyo 2021 surfing champion Kanoa Igarashi. With this victory came a legendary photo, capturing Medina with his index finger raised in the air, his surfboard in a perfect pose behind him. This shot, along with his almost perfect score of 9.90, became the highest-rated wave in Olympic history.
Medina expressed his excitement about the Olympics, saying: «It was amazing to catch good waves, and I almost got a 10, so I was really happy about that. It was truly a dream come true to compete on such waves at the Olympics. It was really in my dream, and I realize it today, and I am very happy to be part of this».
Gabriel Medina shared impressive photos on Instagram, captioning: «I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13». This brought him many praises from his loyal fans, who wrote: «Vamos!»
While surfing at Teahupo’o in Tahiti, known for its amazing waves, he noted: «I am happy because I caught many waves and because the conditions were very good. It’s not often you get such waves. It’s hard to find, so you have to make the most of every moment».
The impressive Brazilian Olympian had previously participated in the Tokyo 2021 Games, where he finished fourth. Despite not making it to the podium that year, he remains passionate about the sport since starting at the age of eight, always striving for perfection. «I think what I do in my life is the legacy I will leave. So every time I get in the barrel, I try to do it as best as I can, because it’s very beautiful to be an example for children», - said Medina to the organization.
Gabriel, who has brought pride to Brazil as a three-time world champion, now has another chance to win the title, competing against his compatriot João Chianki
© Artemenko Olga
