Gabriel Medina, the first Brazilian World Champion of surfing, carried the Olympic torch 200 meters yesterday as it began its journey to Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
"It was an honor to have carried the Olympic torch," he wrote on Instagram. "It was one of the greatest feelings I've ever had, a moment that will stay in my memory forever."
Medina with his Olympic torch, the newest edition for his trophy room. WSL
The torch relay started at Brazil's capital city, Brasília, and Medina was one of the first to carry it. Over the next 95 days, it will pass through 300 cities and all 27 states on its way to Rio. The tradition is as old as the Olympics itself and torchbearers have ranged from participating athletes to local heroes.
Medina was in good company on opening day. He was joined by two-time Olympic champion Paula Pequeno, Adriana Araújo, the only Brazilian woman to have won an Olympic medal in boxing, and Artur Ávila Cordeiro de Melo, the first Latin American to win a Fields Medal, which is known as the Nobel Prize of mathematics.
At the end of his run, Medina passed the flame to two-time Olympic champion Paula Pequeno. Photo: Reuters WSL
Medina is on his way to Rio de Janeiro as well, for the upcoming Oi Rio Pro -- although he will be there much soone than the torch. The current World No. 18 hopes to gain some ground on the rankings at the Rio Pro, which kicks off May 10.
Medina Carries Olympic Torch in Brazil's Captial
WSL
Gabriel Medina, the first Brazilian World Champion of surfing, carried the Olympic torch 200 meters yesterday as it began its journey to Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
"It was an honor to have carried the Olympic torch," he wrote on Instagram. "It was one of the greatest feelings I've ever had, a moment that will stay in my memory forever."
The torch relay started at Brazil's capital city, Brasília, and Medina was one of the first to carry it. Over the next 95 days, it will pass through 300 cities and all 27 states on its way to Rio. The tradition is as old as the Olympics itself and torchbearers have ranged from participating athletes to local heroes.
Medina was in good company on opening day. He was joined by two-time Olympic champion Paula Pequeno, Adriana Araújo, the only Brazilian woman to have won an Olympic medal in boxing, and Artur Ávila Cordeiro de Melo, the first Latin American to win a Fields Medal, which is known as the Nobel Prize of mathematics.
Medina is on his way to Rio de Janeiro as well, for the upcoming Oi Rio Pro -- although he will be there much soone than the torch. The current World No. 18 hopes to gain some ground on the rankings at the Rio Pro, which kicks off May 10.
Gabriel Medina
Despite a vast difference in age and experience, the GOAT and the Grom both needed to show the world they can win.
O carioca ganhou o título do Krui Pro nas ondas perfeitas de Sumatra na final contra o australiano Mitch Coleborn.
The defending World Champ dropped into Indo for a performance at the Krui Pro QS 3,000.
After a day of massive surf at Bells, the two 2x World Champs rose to the top. Now they will square off in a Quarterfinal matchup.
Gabe is on fire, holding more 9s than any surfer on Tour this year. He will face off with John Florence in the QFs.
News
With Florence and Marks out of the Corona Bali Protected, competition begins for top spot on the the Jeep Leaderboard.
Originally just looking for a new twin-fin, the collaboration between Kelly Slater and Aikila Aipa has stolen the show in Bali
Women's QS 1500 and Pro Junior Events commenced at La Punta in Iquique, Chile.
La surfista nacional solo necesitó de dos olas para meterse entre las 16 mejores surfistas del certamen.
As líderes dos rankings sul-americanos da WSL South America seguem na disputa dos títulos.