Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer’s Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

As a seasoned sports enthusiast with years of watching and cheering from the sidelines, I must say that this year’s Olympics is shaping up to be quite the spectacle! The spirit of camaraderie, competition, and sheer determination displayed by these athletes is truly inspiring.


Gabriel Medina is causing quite a stir, not just due to his exceptional performance at the 2024 Olympics, but also because of his electrifying display during the third round of men’s surfing on July 29 in Teahupo’o, Tahiti. If you’ve been keeping up with the Games, you’d know that Medina was thrilled with his performance at this renowned surfing location, while the rest of the athletes were competing in Paris.

Indeed, his self-assurance was evident as he indicated a perfect 10 while exiting a massive barrel wave, and he actually wasn’t too far off. The 30-year-old athlete was awarded a 9.90, an achievement that NBC News reports as the highest single-wave score ever recorded in the sport’s Olympic history (with surfing set to debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games).

However, Medina’s surfing act didn’t just create a ripple; it also caused quite a stir. After leaving the barrel and moving towards the wave’s peak, the athlete leaped off his board, and in mid-air, he seemed to indicate ‘1’ by pointing his finger upwards. This breathtaking moment was snapped by Jerome Brouillet and has since gone viral on the internet.

As a seasoned photographer myself, I can attest to the truth in Jerome Brouillet’s words. Taking stunning photographs requires not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of the art and a bit of serendipity. With years of experience under his belt, Jerome has mastered the delicate balance between preparation, dedication, timing, and luck that makes for breathtaking images.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

On July 29, 2024, at 6:23 am, as Brouillet reached the location by boat, it was clear that this would be an exceptional Olympic surfing day. At precisely 9:30:31 am, Gabriel Medina caught the best wave of the day for a flawless ride. By 9:30:38 am, he leaped from the wave in jubilation, a moment that quickly spread excitement worldwide.

10 minutes later, Brouillet’s phone began buzzing persistently. He continued, “It hasn’t stopped since then…” He went on to say, “Gabriel was in the water at just the right moment, as was I that day. Kudos to @gabrielmedina!”

Similar to the profound depth of the ocean, Medina’s passion for surfing runs just as deep. He was introduced to the sport at the tender age of eight and made headlines by winning the Rip Curl Grom Search when he was only eleven. This achievement led him to join the WSL Championship Tour at seventeen, as reported by Olympics.com.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

2022 saw Medina resume sports participation, yet he sustained a knee injury during the Oi Rio Pro event. Despite the shift in fortunes, he remained undeterred in his pursuit of excellence, ultimately triumphing at the 2023 Western Australia Margaret River Pro.

Medina, who made headlines earlier this year due to his views on WSL judging, isn’t solely focused on winning an Olympic medal as a measure of success. In fact, he shared with Olympics.com that he has endured numerous challenges in the last decade, having won three world titles.

In the same year, after resuming sports participation, Medina suffered a knee injury during the Oi Rio Pro 2022 event. Despite the circumstances turning against him, he remained determined and achieved victory at the 2023 Western Australia Margaret River Pro.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

The US women’s rugby team rejoiced as they secured the nation’s inaugural medal in the sport, achieving a bronze victory.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Argentina’s Jose Torres went all in during his BMX freestyle performance. 

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Marjorie Delassus of France was locked in during her canoe slalom semifinal competition. 

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Simone Biles and her teammates cheered on after their victory. 

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Italy’s epee team couldn’t contain their excitement after besting France in their gold medal bout. 

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

In the judo competition for the 90-kg category, Greece’s Theodoros Tselidis squared off against Aram Grigorian from the United Arab Emirates.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

In the Men’s 200m Breaststroke Semifinals, Leon Marchand from Team France brought an innovative interpretation to the phrase “green-eyed,” showcasing his performance.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

The athletes Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, and Hezly Rivera from Team USA savor a symbolic bite of the medal following their triumph in the Women’s Gymnastics competition.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Stephen Nedoroscik, a member of Team USA’s men’s gymnastics squad, captured the globe’s affection with an unforgettable pommel horse performance that significantly contributed to the team winning a bronze medal after a 16-year absence from the podium.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

I, a die-hard fan, can hardly contain my excitement as I recount the electrifying celebration by Andy Murray of Team Great Britain during their thrilling Men’s Doubles Second Round match against the formidable duo from Team Belgium, Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Women’s basketball got intense as Team USA and Team Japan competed for the win.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Team Brazil’s Gustavo Batista de Oliveira did a full 360 during the Men’s Park qualifier.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Marta Kostyuk from the Ukrainian team took a brief break to calm herself during her tennis contest against Maria Sakkari, representing Greece.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

It’s evident that Lim Jonghoon and Shin Yubin, representing Team South Korea, showed a strong affection for securing the bronze medal in the mixed doubles table tennis match.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Japan’s men’s gymnastics team reveled in their gold medal win. 

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Great Britan’s Tom Daley and Noah Williams sunk the competition to earn a  silver medal. 

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

USA’s Vinson Chiu went sky high during a Mixed Doubles Group Play badminton match. 

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Great Britain’s Heather Cowell took a stiff arm from Ireland’s Amee Leigh Murphy head on. 

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

During the third round of the men’s surfing competition at Brazil, Gabriel Medina seemed to glide effortlessly over the water, capturing one of the most stunning images from this year’s games thus far.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

The British divers Tom Daley and Noah Williams had a chuckle-worthy incident while they bagged the silver medal in synchronized diving.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

As an ardent admirer, I’d have to confess that my heart skipped a beat watching Ronald Zabala-Goetschel from Ecuador in the equestrian event. Unfortunately, his performance didn’t quite live up to my expectations – it was less than stellar, to say the least.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Team USA swimmer Katie Grimes gave us all double vision.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Lauren Scruggs, Lee Kiefer, and Eleanor Harvey from both the U.S. and Canadian foil teams joyfully marked their Olympic victories by traditionally sinking their teeth into their hard-earned medals.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Denmark and Norway delivered during the preliminary handball competition.

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Frida Andersen of Sweden went for an epic jump during the equestrian competition. 

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal celebrated a win in their first double match. 

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Lebron James made winning look easy. 

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

USA fencer Lee Kiefer celebrated her win against China’s Huang Qianqian

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

Vietnam’s Ha Thi Ling took a punch from Tonga’s Feofaaki Epenis

Who Is Gabriel Medina? Why the Surfer's Olympic Photo Is Going Viral

On the second day of the 2024 Olympics gymnastics qualifiers, the esteemed champion Simone Biles extended warm greetings to her supporters from the competition venue.

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2024-07-31 20:51