A breathtaking photo of Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina has captured the imagination of social media users worldwide. Taken during the surfing competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics in Tahiti, the image shows Medina seemingly defying gravity as he soars above the water.
On July 28, Gabriel Medina earned a near-perfect score of 9.90 for his wave, setting a new record for the highest-scoring wave in Olympic surfing history. The impressive score came during his competition against Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi.
This shot of Gabriel Medina is ABSOLUTELY UNREAL 🤯 😱
( 📸: Jerome Brouillet) pic.twitter.com/4JQNI4olsi
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 29, 2024
The stunning image was captured by AFP photographer Jerome Brouillet, showing Medina in mid-air with his surfboard beside him. The photograph quickly went viral, with fans and commentators praising its extraordinary quality. “This shot of Gabriel Medina is ABSOLUTELY UNREAL,” posted Bleacher Report on X (formerly Twitter).
Social media users were quick to express their admiration. Comments ranged from awe at the photo’s quality to appreciation for the photographer’s skill. One user commented, “When people ask what Aura is, just show them this photo,” while another remarked, “This is one of the best pictures ever. The cameraman deserves a raise.”
Brouillet explained that the photo’s success was due to the “perfect” conditions at the time. “The waves were taller than expected,” he told The Guardian. “Capturing the shot was about anticipating the moment and where Gabriel Medina would execute his move.”
Medina himself shared the photo on Instagram, expressing his excitement. “Felt amazing to get some good waves and I almost got a 10, so I was really happy with that,” he said. “It’s a dream come true to compete in these Olympic waves. I’m very happy to be a part of this.”
The image not only highlights Medina’s extraordinary surfing skills but also captures a defining moment in Olympic surfing history.
