Gabriel Medina etched his name in Olympic history at the 2024 Paris Games. He shattered a surfing scoring record during the competition and ultimately secured the bronze medal, bringing home a coveted prize for Brazil. Medina delivered a spectacular performance in the Round of 16 against Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi, achieving a record-breaking score of 9.90 points, earning him a spot in the quarterfinals.
After an intense journey at the Paris Olympics, Gabriel Medina paid a touching tribute to his stepdad and coach, Charles Saldanha. In a heartfelt photo capturing a poignant embrace between the two, Gabriel declared, “Thank you for everything.” This medal, earned in the challenging waters of Teahupoo, Tahiti, is a testament to the bond they share. While Charles is Gabriel’s stepdad, they consider themselves father and son.
This Olympic journey presented Medina with challenges. A close semifinal loss against Australia’s Jack Robinson in a heat plagued by a lack of waves tested his resilience. However, the three-time world champion bounced back triumphantly, defeating Peru’s Alonso Correa to secure third place, surpassing his Tokyo performance. This bronze medal holds significant meaning for Medina, and his message of gratitude to his father reflects the immense support and dedication they have shared throughout his career.
