Truly a medal-worthy moment.
A photo of 30-year-old Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina appearing to defy gravity during Monday’s surfing competition at the Tahiti 2024 Olympics has gone viral on the internet.
Medina, competing against Japan’s Igarashi Kanoa, recorded a near perfect score of 9.90. This was the highest scoring wave in Olympic history. According to CNN.
As Medina celebrated, AFP photographer Jerome Brouillet captured an aerial shot of the surfer, hovering well above the water with his board at his side.
“One of the greatest shots in Olympic history!” Oakley’s X account shouted out on Tuesday morning.
“That’s amazing.” Another X user declared.
Brouillé was able to take some sensational shots. Thanks to the “perfect” conditions.
“The waves were higher than expected,” an Agence France-Presse photographer told the Guardian in an interview.
“…Taking the photo wasn’t the hardest part; it was more predicting when Gabriel would make the wave.”
Medina later shared the photo on her Instagram page, where it has garnered more than 2 million likes.
2024 Paris Olympics
“It was awesome to catch some good waves. I was so close to getting a 10 so I was really happy. It’s a dream come true to be able to compete in waves like this at the Olympics. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of and it came true today. I’m really happy to be a part of it.” Medina told olympics.com.
The three-time world champion missed out on a medal in Tokyo but is aiming for his first Olympic medal.
He will face fellow Brazilian Joao Chianca in the quarterfinals.
