{"id":125182,"date":"2026-03-10T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tracksmag.com.au\/?p=125182"},"modified":"2026-03-10T20:34:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T09:34:37","slug":"the-return-of-gabriel-medina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tracksmag.com.au\/the-return-of-gabriel-medina","title":{"rendered":"The Return of Gabriel Medina"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The surfing world is set to welcome Gabriel Medina back to competition in 2026. After a year away from competition, due to an injury sustained during last year\u2019s preseason training, the Brazilian superstar returns to a very different landscape in both the World Surf League and his personal life. The Championship Tour format has changed, he is no longer sponsored by Rip Curl, he switched his jersey number from 10 to 1, he is dating again for the first time since the 2021 season \u2013 when he claimed his third world title \u2013 and his biggest rival, John John Florence, is out of the title race. So, at 32, what can we expect from Medina\u2019s return? Is he ready to shine immediately, or will he need time to work his way into form? And what exactly has he been doing while not wearing an official event jersey?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andy King, who is not currently working with Medina but coached him during his legendary run in 2021, shares insights drawn from more than two decades in the game. \u201cIt’s purely up to his choice whether he commits to an entire season, whether he gets the world title or not. He’s that far ahead of everybody else, in physicality, so the only thing that, again, would just be what level of commitment that he’s coming with. If he wants that world title, basically give him the trophy now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gabriel Medina hasn\u2019t been quite the spectacular figure we expect ever since reaching his career goal of becoming a three-time WSL world champion. Injuries, personal turmoil and a victory drought have defined the most recent chapter of one of the greatest goofy-footers in history. The career downturn began shortly after his 2021 title victory. Medina separated from his then-wife, stepped away from competition to focus on his mental health, struggled to regain consistency upon returning and never made it back to the top five and the WSL Finals. Now comes the real test: proving he still belongs at the very pointy end of his generation and in professional surfing, that proof only comes one way \u2013 by winning. The challenge is even greater without Rip Curl by his side after a 17-year partnership; with no new board or wetsuit sponsorship announced, it remains uncertain which gear he will ride in his comeback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gabby was recently spotted with a UVV ON, Universidade Vila Velha, sticker on the nose of an Channel Islands. It belongs to a university based out of Esp\u00edrito Santo in Brazil. Two new sponsors in the making?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In some respects, it seems like Medina is 17- years-old all over again, just starting his professional career with a clean slate – wondering what he might achieve? However, now there is the added pressure of expectation. Gabriel’s step-father, Charlie, one of the most colourful figures in pro-surfing, is back in Gabriel’s corner and confident he will make a successful return to competition. “I\u2019m following Gabriel\u00a0closely and I can see how motivated he is, Charlie told Tracks. “He\u2019s a natural competitor, someone who really rises to the occasion. The most important thing right now is that he\u2019s motivated. Over the last ten years he\u2019s been the most successful surfer in the world in terms of results. I think he\u2019s coming in very strong this year and I have a lot of confidence that he can win another world title.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is reasonable to expect Gabriel to start the 2026 CT season hitting the ground running, but at the same time, there are new faces \u2013 such as defending world champion Yago Dora \u2013 who could prove to be a thorn in the side of his fairy-tale return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In King\u2019s view, there aren\u2019t many other surfers besides Yago that can stop Medina. \u201cNot yet. Without John John, it\u2019s more of a one threat scenario. There\u2019s a couple of surfers coming through, but they aren\u2019t ready yet. I\u2019m unbelievably blown away by Yago, no doubt he will be Gabe\u2019s biggest threat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gabriel Medina\u2019s lack of competitive rhythm could be a major factor, although the Brazilian has been putting in the work, training on both natural and artificial waves. We may see him participate in an official event soon, but it is unlikely that this will happen in the Challenger Series. If all goes according to plan, he will make his official return, after an absence of one year and seven months, at Bells Beach in April, which kicks off the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fans haven\u2019t seen Gabriel claim an event title since Margaret River in 2023, leaving more questions than answers about his ability to be a title contender on the Championship Tour. Yet despite these competitive uncertainties, Medina remains a beloved figure out of the water. His popularity in Brazil has not waned, and fans continue to follow his every move, celebrate his past achievements and cheer for his return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Medina’s last CT victory at Margaret River in 2023. Photo: Aaron Hughes\/WSL.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Often utilising wave pools as a setting, Medina has been showing off his skills on social media, posting videos of surfing sessions and impressing fans around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

King says he approves of the wave pool training strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe depth of training and the preparation he had is probably going to work in his favor, to be honest, because he’s had an opportunity to explore new combos, new equipment and he’s been quite smart about it. He hasn’t rushed back in this at all. It\u2019s going to be a 14-month preparation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While off Tour, Gabriel also launched his new brand Medininha, which is aimed at inspiring kids to get into surfing. The project includes youth-oriented boards and accessories and also hosts events like the Medininha Surf Day at his hometown beach in Maresias, bringing young surfers together and promoting a love for the sport and the ocean. He seems to follow in his idol Ayrton Senna\u2019s footsteps, connecting with young fans, participating in social initiatives, and staying close to those who aspire to become like the role model they admire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Medina Surf Fest (@medinasurffest)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n