This spectacular photo is causing a stir. © APA/afp / JEROME BROUILLET

This Olympic photo goes around the world

Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Invalides – Paris offers the most breathtaking backdrops in Olympic history for the Summer Games. But none of the famous landmarks were needed for Gabriel Medina's spectacular photo.

July 30, 2024

From: dpa/det

The Brazilian caught a brutal wave in the surfing qualification in Tahiti, shot through the tube and took off in celebration. For a moment it seemed as if Medina was standing in the air.

Medina, one of the best surfers in the world for years, received 9,90 points for the wave. The exceptional score was the highest in Olympic history. The maximum possible score is 10,0. "It felt like a 10," said Medina, who showed the score with his hands at the exit of the tube. "I've managed a 10 a few times before and I thought, this was definitely one again. It was the perfect wave."

The photo was taken by Frenchman Jérôme Brouillet. "Well, this time I just pressed the shutter at the right time," said the 41-year-old about the picture. Strong, offshore winds and heavy waves created ideal conditions in Teahupo'o, where the surfing competitions of the Summer Games are being held.

"It was super dangerous out there. When the waves are so hollow, it's very flat. There are some solid waves out there, we love that," said Medina. He never dreamed that you would get waves like that at the Olympics. Medina, a friend of soccer superstar Neymar, qualified for the quarterfinals with his captivating wave ride.