Gabriel Medina has solidified his status as the most dominant surfer at Teahupo’o over the past decade, showcasing unparalleled consistency at the iconic Tahitian break. Since his first World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour victory at the wave’s notoriously challenging 8- to 10-foot conditions in 2014, Medina’s worst finish in Tahiti has been third place. He claimed another victory in 2018 and has reached the finals five times in total, further cementing his dominance. Additionally, Medina’s Olympic bronze medal this year, along with his memorable kickout, adds to his growing list of accolades.
While surfers like Kelly Slater, John Florence, and Jack Robinson are undeniably talented, none have matched Medina’s record at Teahupo’o. Slater and Robinson each have one win in the same period, while Florence, surprisingly, has never claimed a victory in Tahiti.
The WSL recently released a seven-minute highlight reel showcasing Medina’s journey since his first win over Slater in 2014. The edit features all five of Medina’s perfect 10-point rides from that time, alongside several near-perfect scores that fell just shy of perfection.
The progression captured in the video is striking, especially a near-perfect 10 from this year’s contest against Jake Marshall, at the 6:15 mark. The wave is so deep and powerful that it’s hard to imagine it could have been ridden any better. However, knowing Medina’s relentless pursuit of excellence, it’s likely he’ll continue to push the limits. Fans and surfers alike will be eagerly awaiting the next waiting period at Teahupo’o next August, hoping for another season of perfect waves.
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