The Paris 2024 Olympics have already provided plenty of iconic moments, and one of the most talked about has been captured by AFP photographer Jerome Brouillet.
While shooting the third day of the surfing competition in Tahiti, Brouillet witnessed Brazilian surfing legend Gabriel Medina conquer a colossal wave, earning a near-perfect score of 9.90 â an Olympic record. From his vantage point on a boat, Brouillet waited for Medina to emerge from the wave, snapping a photo that has since gone viral.
The image shows Medina, having just emerged from the barrel of a monstrous wave, raising his arm to the sky, index finger pointing upwards. His surfboard, tethered to his ankle, is also caught in the air, perfectly parallel to Medina in a remarkable display of athleticism and artistry.
Brouillet, a surfer himself who moved to Tahiti a decade ago, felt a sense of excitement when Medina rode the wave, knowing something special was about to happen. He managed to capture four frames of Medina's triumphant moment, showcasing his incredible skill and the sheer power of the wave.
The photo has garnered immense attention, with Medina himself sharing it on Instagram, where it has received over 5.7 million likes.
The surfing events at the Paris Games have been taking place off the coast of Teahupo'o, a village on the island of Tahiti. Known for its heavy, powerful waves that break over a shallow reef, Teahupo'o is both feared and revered by surfers worldwide. "It's one of the most beautiful and dangerous waves in the world," said pro big-wave surfer Garrett McNamara.
For Brouillet, capturing the perfect moment was a blend of skill, preparation, and a touch of luck. "That day, Gabriel was in the water at the right place, at the right time, and so was I," he wrote on Instagram.
Brouillet's photograph encapsulates the thrill, danger, and beauty of surfing at its finest. It is a testament to both Medina's mastery of the sport and Brouillet's talent as a photographer, a perfect moment frozen in time for all to enjoy.
