Surfer Gabriel Medina provided one of the most iconic moments of the Olympics during a competition at Teahupo’o in Tahiti.
Captured by Agence France-Presse photographer Jérôme Brouillet, Medina’s airborne celebration after riding a massive wave appeared almost surreal, as if he was hovering on a cloud.
The image, taken from a boat, showed Medina pointing skyward with perfect balance, creating a scene that some initially believed was digitally altered.
Brouillet, who anticipated the moment based on his experience and understanding of Medina’s style, captured the shot just as the surfer emerged from the wave.
The image quickly went viral, with Brouillet acknowledging the overwhelming reaction it received on social media and major sports outlets like ESPN.
Medina, a three-time world champion, had hoped for a perfect score of 10 but received a 9.9, the highest of the Olympics so far. Later, he shared his gratitude through a Bible verse on Instagram.
The photo’s allure lies in its almost impossible appearance, with Medina seemingly defying gravity. Brouillet, modest about his achievement, sees the image as memorable but understands that its lasting impact is for others to judge.
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