Gabriel Medina, the first Brazilian World Champion of surfing, carried the Olympic torch 200 meters yesterday as it began its journey to MaracanĆ£ 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, BrasĆlia, 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 AraĆŗjo, the only Brazilian woman to have won an Olympic medal in boxing, and Artur Ćvila 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 MaracanĆ£ 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, BrasĆlia, 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 AraĆŗjo, the only Brazilian woman to have won an Olympic medal in boxing, and Artur Ćvila 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
After a fierce Finals Day, Filipe Toledo and Tatiana Weston-Webb have taken out the Boost Mobile Margaret River Pro presented by Corona.
The 2x Brazilian World Champ eliminates Connor O'Leary with another display of supreme backhand surfing at Main Break.
The WSL Desk crew break down a powerful opening day in Margaret River, including swell projections, top-scoring rides, and more.
Gabriel Medina is on top of the world and doing the best surfing of his career, but Main Break and Florence have a special connection.
Surfers are getting ready for the third event of the Australian Championship Tour leg, with a big swell on the way.
News
Promising Conditions for Opening Day of Event Window -- Welcome to Country by Professor Lenny Collard and the Ngalak Nidja Dance Group.
Season 1, Episode 18
This week, Coco, Mick, and the hilariously entertaining Vaughan Blakey talk Rottnest, injuries, the Rip Curl WSL Finals, and more.
The Estrella Galicia Santa Cruz Pro pres. by Noah Surf House continues to provide plenty of excitement as we make our way to finals day.
The forecast models are already alluding to a start with a bang on day one of the waiting period (May 16-26).
In this episode, Brazilian CT star Filipe Toledo travels around Western Australia with local food guide Salty Davenport.