French photographer Jerome Brouillet anticipated capturing a stunning moment when he witnessed Brazilian Olympic surfer Gabriel Medina taking on one of the largest waves of the day at a renowned surf break.
Little did he expect that his photograph of Medina emerging from the wave after achieving a record-breaking Olympics score in Tahiti would receive worldwide attention, potentially solidifying itself as an iconic representation of the sport and the Games.
Brouillet, who was exactly where he wanted to be to take the shot, said, You know something is going to happen. Every photographer is waiting for that. You know Gabriel Medina will kick off and do something. The only tricky moment is when he is going to kick out.
Brouillet saw Medina flying straight above the waves, pointing one finger in the sky with his surfboard held skyward at his side. He suspected he had also captured something special but wasnt sure.
I got four shots of him out of the water and one of the four shots was this photo.
