Photo: Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Gabriel Medina has gone viral here in Teahupo’o, Tahiti for surfing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. But it’s funny; it’s not actually for the near-perfect, highest scoring wave in Olympic history (a 9.90) that he rode on the action-packed Day Three of competition. Rather, it’s for the photo (see above) of him dismounting from the wave. He levitates in the air, one finger held high to the sky, and his board floats ominously behind him.
Right now, it’s the photo seen around the world.
Related: Gallery: This Day Will Go Down in Olympic Surfing History
When Medina came to shore after the heat, which was a Round Three matchup against Kanoa Igarashi (Japan), he was all smiles. Not the typical cool, somewhat quiet, occasionally controversial demeanor that the Brazilian world champ carries.
He was happy, despite not getting a perfect 10.
“I felt like that was a 10,” Medina told SURFER. “I’ve done a few 10s before here, and I felt, like, for sure that was another one. The wave was just so perfect. First, when I was paddling, I thought I was gone. I thought I wasn’t gonna make it. But I knew I needed to try. The wind was holding me back a little bit, as I was paddling into it. But I just went for it. It ended up not being a 10. But I was still stoked to get a 9.90.”
Related: Here’s How Olympic Surfing Is Scored
And yet, although it was about as perfect as a Teahupo’o tube can be, the wave wasn’t a cake walk. Even Gabriel, who’s well-versed in the treachery that is Chopes, acknowledged the danger factor that Day Three of competition witnessed.
“I think it’s the most dangerous Olympic sport, for sure,” he told SURFER after the heat. “It’s so dangerous out there. It’s super shallow. Luckily, I didn’t hit the reef on the one where I fell. When the waves are like this, when it’s super hollow, it’s super shallow. There’s some really solid waves out there. But we love it.”
Related: Surfing Is the Most Dangerous Olympic Sport; Day Three Proved It
Oh yeah, and if you want to actually watch the wave, not merely marvel in the glory of his viral dismount, check it out here:
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