Paris Olympics 2024: Picture of surfer Gabriel Medina at Teahupo’o looms as legendary Olympic photo

Haters will say it’s Photoshopped, but this epic Olympic surfing picture is real - and it’s quickly being recognised as one of the greatest Games snaps we’ve ever seen.

Jerome Brouillet’s instantly-amazing snap of Gabriel Medina has created headlines around the world and if there were medals for Olympic photography, this one would be a prime contender for gold.

On a day defined by torrid weather and dangerous waves in Tahiti, Brouillet captured a brilliant picture of Medina celebrating a successful run.

With an arm outstretched, his finger raised, feet elevated far above the waves, the Brazillian appears to be walking on air, or ascending to the heavens depending on how you look at it.

Medina was surfing in the fifth heat of round three in Tahiti and turned in the most eye-catching performance in the waves as he recorded a 9.90 score — the highest ever achieved in the Olympics.

It was enough to help him book his spot in the quarter-finals of the draw, and if he can overcome compatriot Joao Chianca, he could face Jack Robinson if the Margaret River product can overcome Ethan Ewing.

Medina’s performance was even more impressive given the nature of the waves in Teahupo’o, which forced the women’s competition to be postponed.

Robinson and Ewing both struggled and were dangerously dumped on several occasions, with the former dubbing the break as the scariest place in the world.