How, where, when was that stunning Gabriel Medina surfing photo taken?

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The one captured by Jerome Brouillet, an AFP photographer, which accompanies this article, may leave you speechless.

In Tahiti, almost ten thousand miles from Paris, the surfing faithful witnessed Brazilian Gabriel Medina (30 years old and a Brazilian champion at the age of 11) floating above a wave with his index finger raised in a victory gesture. It’s a spectacular image that is a strong contender for the best of the 2024 Olympic Games, and is quickly doing the global rounds on social media.

His score, 9.90 (10, 10, 9.9, 9.8, and 9.8), was the highest ever achieved on a single wave since the sport was included in the Olympic program.

The always original and groundbreaking Medina, who secured his ticket to the Paris 2024 quarterfinals with his performance, has left an iconic image for posterity, reminiscent to many commentators of the Bible passage where Jesus of Nazareth walked on the Sea of Galilee. Although maybe appearing to defy gravity like Michael Jordan is more appropriate.

The Brazilian, already a celebrity in his country thanks to his three world titles, also boasts 18 victories in WSL Championship Tour events.

Surfing competition postponed

After Medina’s incredible moment, the weather conditions worsened, preventing the third round of the women’s competition, where Nadia Erostarbe is seeking her place in the quarterfinals, from taking place. Her duel against Japan’s Shino Matsuda has to wait. Doubts remain into Tuesday’s competition.

Behind the Gabriel Medina photo

French photographer Jerome Brouillet spoke to TIME about this already iconic image, highlighting the fact that there are two media boats that are sent out to take snaps of the surfing in Tahiti.

“To be fair, if all conditions are met – weather, waves, light, if the boat driver is in the right position, and if you know how to use your camera – you can take good images of surfing in Teahupo’o. All the rest is experience, timing, and a bit of luck!

“This differentiates a good shot from a great shot.”

That experience is helped as Brouillet moved to Tahiti, from Marseille, a decade ago, meaning he knows these waters well, and is also a surfer himself. He did, however, also explain that all the photographers are capturing “bursts” of images, up to 20 a second, and it was likely that others had very similar angles. He handed credit to his AFP editor for sharing his with the world so quickly.