Gabriel Medina is a three-time world surfing champion, and on Monday, July 29, he was doing what he does best: catching waves on Teahupoo Reef, Tahiti, for the third round of the men’s surfing event at the 2024 Olympic Games. He defeated Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi and made history with a score of 9.90 out of 10, the highest ever in the competition. At the end of the race, they qualified for the quarter-finals.
The surfer celebrated as always: pointing his finger to the sky, in a divine gesture – and this time, he even flew, supported by a cloud. At least that’s what the photographs circulating around the world show.
The painting, shown vertically, mimics the athlete’s pose and was captured by photographer Jérôme Brouillet.
I transferred guardianJerome Brouillette, agency photographer AFP (AFP) He says he was on a boat next to the surfer, ready to take photos when the athlete emerged from the wave. He sent them to the agency without seeing them and minutes later he started receiving messages and alerts. The photo went viral.
“The conditions were perfect, the waves were higher than we expected. It wasn’t difficult to take the photo. It was about anticipating the moment and knowing where Gabriel would move,” he explained, according to the British daily.
According to the photographer, the photo is attracting the world’s attention because it is not your typical “surf photography”. “I got the photo today, I had six talented photographers on the boat and I’m sure the world will forget about it next week,” adds Jerome Brouillet.
Gabriel Medina also posted the photo on Instagram. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Written in the comment. He is now preparing to compete against fellow Brazilian surfer Joao Chianco in the quarter-finals. The test was scheduled for 7:12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, but according to location The Olympic Games have been postponed.
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