The image of Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina pointing to the sky as he celebrated a 9.9 score – the best in Olympic history – has been praised as iconic.
Medina went on to win bronze in the Men’s Shortboard. When sharing the photo on Instagram he added the caption: “I can do everything through him who strengthens” and a praying hands emoji. The words, written in Portuguese and English, are a quote from Philippians 4:13.
The post has received nine million likes and more than 130,000 comments. “Beautiful tribute to our God”, read one.
The raised finger, pointing to the sky, is a trademark of Brazilian evangelical athletes, who use the gesture to acknowledge God. Medina is a three-time world surfing champion and had originally wanted to compete on a board featuring an image of Jesus. Olympic rules against religious imagery meant he had to cover it up.
The photo was taken by French photographer Jerome Brouillet who later told BBC Sport: “The conditions were perfect…It’s very cool, it’s a nice shot and lots of people love it.”
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