Gabriel Medina has been considered one of "The 100 Most Influential People" by Time Magazine.
The 2014 world surfing champion has been included in the "Icons" category by the prestigious US news magazine. Medina is the first ever Brazilian surfer to conquer a world title."He showed that his ascendant nation was now a serious player in a sport that is taking off around the world," writes Sean Gregory, senior writer at Time Magazine.
"From 2001 to 2011, the total number of surfers jumped 35%, to some 35 million, and the sport is projected to become a $13.2 billion global industry by 2017."
Gregory underlined that Gabriel Medina shook up "a sport typically dominated by Americans and Australians," to become an icon in Brazil and "inspire a new generation to make some waves."
