Jerome Brouillet’s photograph of Gabriel Medina at the Paris 2024 Olympics became a viral sensation, showcasing Medina’s impressive surfing. The image generated significant attention, leading to accolades such as gold at the World Sports Photography Awards. Brouillet’s work has gained newfound visibility, representing his decade-long dedication to sports photography in Tahiti while emphasizing human emotions in sport.

Jerome Brouillet’s encounter with Gabriel Medina following the viral photograph titled “The Golden Moment” revealed a mutual curiosity regarding the photo’s impact. Brouillet recounted their shared amazement about the photograph that illustrated Medina seemingly soaring above a treacherous wave, celebrating with a No.1 gesture. They both laughed at the surprising popularity, including fans getting tattoos inspired by the image and various internet memes.

Captured on July 29, 2024, at Teahupo’o during the Olympic Games, Brouillet was unaware of the photo’s immense reach while still on the media boat. Minutes after taking the photograph, it was uploaded to the Agence France-Presse server, prompting an overwhelming response that included nine million likes on Medina’s Instagram. Notable figures like Neymar and Lewis Hamilton also shared the photo, contributing to Medina’s increased social media following.

Eventually, Brouillet had a chance meeting with Medina in Paris, where he humorously relayed how the photo garnered millions of followers for the surfer’s Instagram account. The dialogue reflected the impact of the image, especially as Brouillet uncovered it had won gold at the World Sports Photography Awards 2025, amongst a sea of exceptional submissions.

As 2024 drew to a close, Brouillet reflected on the significance of seeing his photo alongside serious news images in prominent year-end publications. He expressed a sense of disbelief that his surfing photograph was featured among grim visuals of wars and disasters, albeit feeling a juxtaposition of emotions regarding its placement.

Having lived in Tahiti for over a decade, Brouillet had previously flown under the radar while enjoying photography. However, taking this remarkable picture during the Paris 2024 surfing competition elevated his profile significantly within the sports photography community and beyond.

On the day the photo was taken, Brouillet described preparing for the unique challenges of capturing surfing at Teahupo’o. Outfitted with two camera bodies and crucial supplies, he embarked on a day that ultimately aligned perfectly with the elements, allowing him to capture what became an iconic airborne image of Medina.

The sequence of capturing the moment involved anticipation, where Brouillet aimed his camera in anticipation of Medina’s celebrated jump over the wave. This attentive approach resulted in an extraordinary photograph that not only scored an impressive 9.90 points in Olympic history but also swiftly reached global audiences via the AFP.

Brouillet also spotlighted another memorable image from the event, continuing the narrative of poignant moments in sports. This secondary photograph captured Kauli Vaast celebrating his Olympic gold victory, encapsulating the emotional resonance for the local Tahitian community, something that Brouillet considers one of the most significant images of his career.

Reflecting on the six months following these monumental captures, known for their impactful photography, Brouillet expressed gratitude for the recognition and visibility his work has achieved. He remains dedicated to chronicling sport through singular, timely photographs and cherishes the opportunity for the world to engage with his artistry.

In conclusion, Jerome Brouillet’s striking photograph of Gabriel Medina at the Paris 2024 Olympics not only showcased a breathtaking moment in surfing but also garnered unprecedented attention worldwide. Its viral success opened new avenues for Brouillet’s career, leading to prestigious accolades and recognition among noteworthy press outlets. Additionally, Brouillet’s reflection on his subsequent work reveals a continued commitment to capturing the essence of sport through powerful imagery, highlighting the profound connection between athletes and their communities.

Original Source: www.olympics.com

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