Watch: Gabriel Medina's steady rise
While this year's title remains a three horse race, the bookies are putting the shortest of odds ($1.33) on Gabriel Medina claiming his second title.
With that in mind it's easy to read this short doco by the WSL as some sort of propaganda. Gabs has an image problem in non-Portuguese speaking countries, but in this eight-minute clip he's allowed to expand on his thoughts. Even Black Cloud Charlie smiles for the camera, though he's the one who elucidates Medina's MO: "He's not here to make friends...he is here to compete."
Though the WSL made the doco, there's a wrinkle in the script that should be noted. A few months back Dirk Ziff unleashed a shrill cry about surfers winning by unclear means. "A world champion was decided while he was sitting on the beach." You remember that speech? The result of the supposedly baffling rules is that "fans tune out".
Now, Gabs has been known to win many heats by dubious means, pushing the priority rule to the limit, halting any surfing in the last five minutes of a heat, and blocking opponents either paddling or on the wave.
Where does that fit into Dirk's "winning by unclear means"? Is it good for the fans?
Anyway, just thinking out loud. The doco is enjoyable and Gab's talent is undeniable.
Click the image to watch it.
Comments
Based on the title of this article, Gary was expecting something a little more sensual. Just sayin’
Gary, you are a marvellous gift :-)
"Much better to be friends." That is what a Russian with a knife told me. Gab has done a great job in not making friends I refuse to watch him. Maybe Erik will sort things out. Eagerly waiting.
You're missing out; man is a wizard.
As for Erik sorting things out, I'd probably rather leave them broken than his way of sorted.
Stu, my limited exposure to the Portuguese people is that the have zero kinship with Brazilians. They are a proud European culture which has nothing to do with what is happening in Brazil. Brazilians are just tourists like all the other nations it just happens that they speak the same language. Gabs is just another hot surfer from another country and they are far more interested in their local hot shots.
"Gabs has an image problem in non-Portuguese speaking countries"
.....that often happens when your a dickhead and your descended from a first class dickhead....most people ultimately see you as just that..a dickhead
Too much emphasis on winning makes him yucky for me and the shark episode no credibility. And super Logan will lead us to the promised land. I love South America love the people their passion. The simple ways of farming, horse and cart taxis. Donkey travel. I could live there no worries. I heard a Argentine bloke telling jokes about the Spanish people. Like we do with the poms.
Go Julian Wilson you mad bastard!
Don't really care who wins, but WSL Facebook and social media will be worth visiting if Julian wins.
A lot of crying and calls of corruption to read - the Australian Surf League etc.
No one melts harder than Brazilian sport fans.
Had surf charter in Maldives 2017 Medina flew in on a sea plane crew in tow.
Dropped in line up paddled straight inside everyone by 10 meters took every wave.
Did not say G'day to anyone even the local groms who were calling out Medina.
He surfed the wave amazing thou.
Have a good photo of him dropping in switch on some guy from Sydney.
Anyone pull him up on it?
Hey Goofy, maybe a few words said we were all tripping out a bit! Sea plane 2 camera guys and a drone,was like a Rockstar rocking up to a show.
Haven't met a brazo in the water yet that didn't act like a tool. Medina is just the top of the heap.
Not sure this is the right thread but Medina gets a very hungry Connor O'leary in rd1 at pipe!! Julian gets the best rd1 rub imo.