Three-time world surfing champion and viral photography sensation Gabriel Medina had to settle for Olympic bronze in Tahiti on Monday after entering the Games as the widely tipped favourite.
The Brazilian, beaten in the semi-finals by Australia’s Jack Robinson after taking only one wave, was more creative in the bronze medal match against surprise men’s draw Alonso Correa, winning with a score of 15.54 to the Peruvian’s 12.43.
Modest surf conditions made for a tight battle, but Medina picked his waves better in the final 20 minutes to take third place on the podium.
An AFP photograph of Medina celebrating after jumping off a wave last week after a ride that earned her an Olympic record score has become a global sensation and a defining image of the sport and the Paris Olympics. The gold medal will be decided later on Monday.
