Surfing: Gabriel Medina, Tatiana Weston-Webb reach semi-finals

Gabriel Medina was the winner of the Brazilians' battle for a spot in the semi-finals of the men's surfing tournament at the Olympic Games in Paris (France). The three-time world champion displayed his exceptional skill to defeat João Chianca, also known as Chumbinho, with a score of 14.77 to 9.33, in the waves of Teahupo'o, Tahiti, on Thursday (Aug. 1).

Medina will face Australian Jack Robinson in a bid for a spot in the final.

“This is my favorite wave, as I've always said. I'm happy just to get in the water here, and today was an important heat against João, who is a great friend, and we had to face each other. And I'm happy to be in the semi-final,” said the surfer from São Sebastião, São Paulo state, after qualifying.

When asked about the sea conditions, Medina expressed hope for improvement in the days leading up to the semi-finals. “Teahupo'o [sea conditions] can change a lot because it’s very exposed. Today, we had to contend with the wind and [a drop in wave] size. However, the forecast looks promising for the next [heat], probably on Saturday. I think the waves will improve.”

Women's semi-final

Brazil also secured a spot in the semi-finals of the women’s surfing event with Tatiana Weston-Webb. She advanced by defeating Spain’s Nadia Erostarbe in the quarterfinals with a score of 8.10 to 6.34. Earlier, Weston-Webb demonstrated her strength as a top contender for Olympic gold by overcoming American Caitlin Simmers, the current world number one.

“I'm feeling great [after qualifying for the semi-final]. The conditions were challenging, but advancing through this tough heat was crucial. I managed to showcase my surfing skills and catch a key wave. Thank God, I made it through to the next round,” said the Brazilian surfer.

In the next round, Tatiana Weston-Webb will compete against Costa Rican Brisa Hennessy, who edged out Brazil's Luana Silva with a score of 6.37 to 5.47, preventing an all-Brazilian semi-final in the women's event.