Photo sensation Medina takes Paris Olympics surfing bronze

Silver medalist Jack Robinson of Australia, Gold medalist Kauli Vaast of France and Bronze medalist Gabriel Medina of Brazil pose for a photo during the men’s surfing medal ceremony at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Teahupo’o, French Polynesia, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (Ed Sloane/Pool Photo via AP)

Three-time surfing world champion and viral photo sensation Gabriel Medina had to settle for the Paris Olympics 2024 bronze in Tahiti on Monday after going into the Games as a widely tipped favorite.

Beaten in the semifinal by Australian Jack Robinson after taking only one wave, the Brazilian was more creative in the bronze match against the surprise of the men’s draw, Alonso Correa, winning with a score of 15.54 to the Peruvian’s 12.43.

READ: Brazil’s Medina overcomes Toledo, shark scare for third world surfing title

Modest surf conditions resulted in a tight duel, but Medina chose his waves better in the final 20 minutes to seal third on the podium.

An AFP photograph of Medina celebrating after kicking out of a wave last week after a ride that earned a record Olympic score became a global sensation, and a defining image of the sport and the Paris Olympics.

The gold medal will be decided later Monday.