Gabriel Medina, a Brazilian surfer, made history at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a legendary picture capturing him riding a large wave in the 5th heat of the men’s surfing round 3 in Teahupo’o, on the French Polynesian Island of Tahiti. This iconic image, along with his nearly perfect score of 9.90, marked the highest-scoring wave in Olympic history. His reaction, with his pointer finger raised as he floated mid-air, drew much praise from his supporters in Brazil. Medina expressed his happiness and gratitude for the opportunity to surf in the extraordinary waves of Teahupo’o.

He emphasized the rarity of such ideal conditions and the importance of making the most out of every moment in such an exceptional setting. Having previously competed in the 2021 Tokyo Games, where he finished fourth, Medina’s unwavering passion for the sport has been a driving force since he started surfing at the age of eight. He views his achievements and actions as a part of the legacy he intends to leave, striving to be a positive role model for young enthusiasts.