Gabriel Medina and mother nature join forces for ‘picture of the Olympics’ at Teahupo’o

“That’s the picture of the Olympics,” responded a cameraman when I showed him this shot of Gabriel Medina.

The strength of Teahupo’o launched the Brazilian to the sky during the third day of Paris 2024 Olympic surfing.

Over the years the three-time world champion has been called many things, and today seeing him fly across the sky, superman is the next name added to that list.

Our stunning picture, taken by photographer Morgan Maassen, happened during his third heat the Olympic Games in Tahiti.

The 30-year-old came agonisingly close to a perfect ride, earning a 9.90 on his second wave, despite throwing up 10 fingers to the judges with his hands high above his head.

“Felt amazing to get some good waves and I almost got a 10 so I was really happy with that. It’s really a dream come true to compete in waves like this for the Olympics. It was really in my dream and I’m realising this today and I’m very happy to be a part of this,” Medina told olympics.com.

Up against Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi in the fifth heat of the day, the conditions were mammoth in size and power.

“When it’s like this you just worry about yourself and there’s waves for everyone and you’ve got to go for it. There’s no different strategy. You’ve got to surf and got to show what you got and be focused on your goal,” he said.

“I’m happy because I got many waves and because the conditions were very good and it’s not often you get the opportunity to surf these kinds of waves. It’s difficult to come by so you have to make the most out of any moment.”

Medina moves onto the quarter-finals and will come up against fellow Brazilian Joao Chianca.

“I will relax, sleep and wait for the next round. I hope the conditions will be the same as today. It was incredible. Now it’s time to begin again and take it step by step,” he explained.

The notoriously private surfer knows he is being watched by many, and he takes the responsibility seriously.

“I think what I’m doing in my life is the legacy I’m going to leave. That’s why every time I get a barrel I try do it as good as possible because it’s very beautiful to be a role model for kids.

“It’s a way to help the world to have better people and every time I’m in the water I am thinking about this and I have to do my job, but I’m happy with that. Every place I go I receive a lot of love. Kids love me and it’s a great way to live.” – Gabriel Medina