Paris 2024 Gabriel Medina and mother nature design ‘Picture Of The Olympics” at Teahupo’o
The amazing photo, shot by the photographer Morgan Maassen, happened during Medina’s third heat of the Olympic Games in Tahiti.
By Ash Tulloch
July 30, 2024, 07:06 06:06 AM
“That’s the picture of the Olympics,” responded a cameraman when I showed him this shot of Gabriel Medina .
Teahupo’s strength pushed the Brazilian up to the heavens on the final day of Paris 2024 Olympic surfing.
Over the years, the World Champion three times has been referred to as many things. Today, watching him fly through the skies, superman is the new name to add to the list.
The stunning photo, captured by the photographer Morgan Maassen took place in his third heat of the Olympic Games in Tahiti.
The 30-year-old was a long way from an ideal ride, securing an 9.90 on the second wave, even though he threw 10 fingers at the judges by raising his hands atop his head.
“Felt amazing to be able to catch some decent waves. I was close to scored a 10, so I was extremely satisfied with the result. It’s a dream come reality to participate in waves like this at the Olympics. It was always my aspirations and I’m finally achieving this day by day and am very grateful to be part of it,” Medina told olympics.com.
In the face of Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi in the fifth day’s heat the conditions were awe-inspiring in both power and size.
“When you’re in this situation, are just worried about yourself and you’ll see waves for everyone. You’ve to be ready for it. There’s no other way to approach it. You’ll have to search and showcase what you’ve got and stay determined to achieve your goals,” he said.
“I’m satisfied because I caught several waves and the conditions were excellent and you don’t often have the opportunity to surf this kind of waves. It’s not easy to find therefore you need to get the most of every opportunity.”
Medina will now go to the quarter-finals where she will be up against the fellow Brazilian Joao Chianca.
“I am going to rest, relax and await my next chance. I’m hoping conditions will be exactly the same as today. It was amazing. It’s time to start to do it all over again and move forward step-by-step,” he explained.
The famously private-minded surfer is aware that his actions are being scrutinized by many and is aware of the responsibility.
“I believe that what I’m doing with my life is the legacy that I’m leaving behind. So every when I’m given an opportunity to fill a barrel, I strive to make it as perfect as I can because it’s lovely to become a role model for children.
“It’s an opportunity to help the world have more people, and each moment I’m in the water, I’m contemplating this, and I must perform my duties and I’m content with it. Everywhere I go I am greeted with lots of affection. My children love me and it’s a wonderful way to live your life.” Gabriel Medina. Gabriel Medina