Photo: WSL / Kelly Cestari
Sometimes being great in a sport is just not enough. We all have different athletes around the world that we love for something more: their charisma.
We’re attracted to them like metal to a magnet. We love to hear them talk and we can’t stop watching them or hanging onto every word they say. We refer to them by their charisma, their demeanor, or any other quality beyond what they’re capable of in a contest. Gabriel Medina is one of these athletes. Beyond this young Brazilian surfer’s huge talents, he has the extra ingredient that makes him stand out. I’ve had the opportunity to interview Gabriel and other surfers, and when I met Medina I confirmed what I already knew: this humble and smart kid is always transmitting a good vibe. This is one of the reasons he is the most famous surfer in Brazil.
Beyond that, we all know that across the globe Medina is the most recognizable surfer from Brazil. His perfect combination of talent and charisma made him a new national hero in Brazil. He’s inspired thousands of young girls and boys to surf. He gave them hope and opened the door for all Brazilian surfers after winning Brazil’s first ever World Title. The following year, his countryman, Adriano de Souza, followed in his footsteps and won the 2015 World Title. With a future full of promise, the truth is that whether he’s winning or losing, everybody (or mostly everybody) loves Gabe.
He’s a pretty good surfer too. Photo: WSL
