Gabriel Medina Steals The Show In Olympic Surfing
Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina stole the show at the Olympic surfing competition in Tahiti with an incredible ride that earned him the highest score so far. Medina powered through a massive blue barrel, scoring a 9.90 out of 10 during his round-five heat against Japan's Kanoa Igarashi.
"Felt amazing to get some good waves and I almost got a 10 so I was really happy with that," Medina said to olympics.com. "It's really a dream come true to compete in waves like this for the Olympics."
The decision to hold the event at Tahiti's Teahupo'o, known for its formidable waves, proved to be perfect as surfers were greeted with some of the most powerful swells ever seen in competition. Teahupo'o, which translates to "Wall of Skulls," lived up to its fearsome reputation. Surfers faced intense conditions, with many experiencing wipeouts and requiring jetski rescues.
Iconic photo of Medina in mid-air goes viral
Medina's performance was a highlight, not just for his impressive score but also for the iconic photograph captured during his ride. The shot of Medina flying through the air, taken by photographer Morgan Maassen, quickly went viral.
"The conditions were perfect, the waves were taller than we expected," said photographer Jerome Brouillet. "It was not hard to take the picture. It was more about anticipating the moment and where Gabriel will kick off the wave."
Kauli Vaast eliminates Griffin Colapinto
Medina's success wasn't the only notable performance. Tahiti's Kauli Vaast, competing for France, eliminated American Griffin Colapinto with a stunning display.
"It was just perfect," Vaast said of the conditions.
Fellow Brazilian Joao Chianca triumphed over Morocco's Ramzi Boukhiam in a closely contested heat, with Chianca advancing to the quarter-finals alongside Medina.
John John Florence and Jack Robinson struggle on the waves
Australian Jack Robinson faced a tough battle against John John Florence of the United States. Both struggled to find the right waves, but Robinson managed to advance.
"We didn't get it easy," Robinson said, describing the challenging conditions. "The wave is just so powerful. It doesn't relate to any other sport, you know what I mean? Maybe an avalanche or something coming down on your head on a mountain. That's similar... It's so dangerous."
Women’s round three postponed due to poor weather
The women's round three was postponed due to deteriorating weather, with high winds and heavy rain forcing organisers to put the competition on hold. No events are scheduled for Tuesday, and the outlook for Wednesday remains uncertain.
Despite the setbacks, the atmosphere was electric, with spectators and athletes alike in awe of the incredible waves.
"I never imagined we could get waves like this in the Olympics," Medina said. "I'm comfortable when the waves are good and as long as it's like this, it's good for everyone."
As the competition continues, the focus remains on the unpredictable and powerful waves of Teahupo'o. Surfers must navigate not only the physical challenges but also the mental strain of competing in such intense conditions.
"How they approach it mentally will be the determining factor for every athlete now," said Olympic bronze medallist Vicky Holland.
Medina, looking ahead to the next round, remains focused and optimistic. "I will relax, sleep and wait for the next round. I hope the conditions will be the same as today. It was incredible."
His journey through the Olympics continues to captivate fans and fellow athletes, all eager to see what the next wave will bring.
