Gabriel Medina makes TIME’s 100 most influential list.

Photo courtesy of WSL / Cestari

Every year, the people of TIME magazine join heads to draw-up a list of the 100 most influential people alive. Broken down by categories like “leaders” and “artists,” the list saves a spot for a handful of “Icons,” people who represent something far greater than their personal achievements. Juggernauts in their respective circles, the Baracks and Yeezys of the world, the one’s who “break the internet.” This year, the “Icons” list includes figures like Pope Francis, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bjork, Haruki Murakami, and yer gurl T-Swift. All big-time, all influential in their own ways, and, none quite as handsome as Bradley Cooper (who’s on the “Artists” list). We get leaders of the free world, philanthropists, scientists, designers, and doctors… The heaviest of hitters in life. But, this year, today in fact, these guys and gals are joined by one goofy-footed, high-flying, tongue non-biting member of surfing’s elite 32. Gabs Medina has put himself on TIME’s watch.

Senior TIME Sports and Culture writer, Sean Gregory, notes the importance of Mr. Gabs to Brazil’s national identity. “South America’s leading economic power has long used athletics to broadcast its ambition. After hosting the 2014 World Cup, Rio will stage the 2016 Summer Olympics. And now a nation used to its soccer players’ being among the world’s best has a new phenom to cheer. By shaking up a sport typically dominated by Americans and Australians, Medina has become an icon in Brazil and is inspiring a new generation to make some waves.”

Of course, we usually just like to watch him flip, spin, and call out KP. But, aside from that, Gabby deserves a tip of that hat, nod of the head, a “parabéns!” if you will. Minimally because of his 99 accompaniments, but mainly for being much more than an icon in surfing, and for carrying a little extra weight on his back…that of a country’s hopes and dreams. That’s gotta get heavy. Like, really heavy. But, really, it doesn’t take stats and graphs to prove the kid’s got more than your average fanatical following. Show up to any WT event ’round the globe and you’d be hard pressed to get within a hundred feet of him. You’ll be blocked out by hundreds of his Brazilian compatriots with Beatle-crazed “oohs” and “aahs.” We love surfing and all, but you’re not gonna find us flying half-way across the globe to slap fives and snag a picture. But, people do it for Gabby. The kid’s a superstar, simple as that.

Good on ya Gabs. May that loss at The Box sting a bit less today…

For the full list, go here.