Bigger Than Neymar? Brazilian Surfer Medina Eyes Golden Future
Faizan Hashmi Published July 26, 2021 | 02:10 PM
Ichinomiya, Japan, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina thinks he could be as big as football superstar Neymar in his home country if he wins Olympic gold, with the sport enjoying a popularity boom.
Medina became the first Brazilian to win the world title in 2014, catapulting him into the national spotlight and igniting an unprecedented run of success for the country's surfers.
Medina, Italo Ferreira and Adriano de Souza have all claimed the world title since then, but Medina believes winning Olympic gold would send surfing's popularity into the stratosphere.
"Probably, yeah," he said on Monday, when asked if winning the sport's first-ever gold medal would make him as popular as Neymar in Brazil.
"A medal here means a lot to us because it's so hard to be here. It's a lot of work and dedication, and they know that. And they like a winner." Medina and Ferreira -- the 2019 world champion -- both booked their places in the quarter-finals on Monday, with Silvana Lima also progressing in the women's event.
Brazil's phenomenal surfing success over the past decade has established the country as a global powerhouse, dubbed the "Brazilian Storm".
Medina said his 2014 world title was a life-changing experience, and sparked an interest among Brazilian fans usually more interested in football and volleyball.
"After 2014, I feel like everyone started to watch and try to understand more about surfing," said Medina, who also won the world title in 2018.
"Everywhere I go in Brazil, people recognise me as a surfer. It's crazy. Before 2014 was one life, and after that was a different life." Ferreira, who learned to surf standing on the foam box his father sold fish from, believes a gold medal in Tokyo would cement Brazil's recent rise in world surfing.
"It's special representing your country and having support from the Brazilian guys," he said.
"To the surfers in Brazil, it's special because in the past, Australia and the USA has dominated surfing."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at various parts of country
Implementation of Sindh Agriculture Workers Act-2019 demanded
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
Khawaja reiterates PM commitment to judiciary
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary
1 day ago -
Architectural grandeur of Mohabat Khan Mosque attracts visitors, archeology lovers
2 days ago -
Besant Hall cultural centre to hold programme in memory Pir Hassam din Rashdi
3 days ago -
USA beats Mexico 2-0 for CONCACAF Nations League title
4 days ago -
World urged to intervene for peace in Kashmir
4 days ago -
Undeterred resolve – only way to end economic woes
5 days ago
-
Organic Food: A booming trend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
5 days ago -
From Soil to Harvest: Use of modern technology vital for agricultural renaissance
5 days ago -
Spring season offers glimpse into GB's natural beauty, cultural heritage
5 days ago -
Nation to mark decades’ long journey of resilience through annals of history
7 days ago -
23rd March: A historic day reminds Muslims’ heroic struggle for Pakistan
7 days ago -
Measures urged to recharge depleting water table: Experts
7 days ago