Gabriel Medina Speaks Out About Not Making the Top 5 at Trestles

Zander Morton
·2 min read
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Gabriel Medina is as clutch as they come.

But at Teahupo'o last week, needing to win the final vs Jack Robinson to qualify for the Top 5 at Trestles — where he'd have the opportunity to compete for his 4th world title and a chance to represent Brazil in Tahiti in the Olympics next year — he faltered.

In arguably the biggest heat of his life, Medina couldn't replicate the magic he's carried for the majority of his career.

So, how is he handling the loss?

A week removed from the sting, Medina took to Instagram to share a surprisingly positive message.

"It could have been one of the most important achievements of my life professionally speaking, but it wasn't. And it turned out to be the roughest trip I've ever done in my LIFE. Time to go back home.

"Many, or most, things will never be in our time. It was time to understand the process.. understand that sometimes it is part of other people's process too. And this time I didn't want to be selfish to think only of me.

"I did my best and prepared for that moment. This year was the most physical training in my career. So I came out calm-headed, and aware that I gave it all of me. Job was done now go get a spot here in Teahupoo. But I've already received so many waves that changed my life in this exact place. For years and years.

"I have faith and I believe in God's plan. It's supposed to be that way. Tomorrow is another day.

"Choices, learnings and looking to evolve more and more."

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