Stab Podcast: Could Gabriel Medina Shine In Another Sport?
Let’s discuss on The Drop.
Danny Johnson is back in the booth. That’s the first bit of news you need to know on this latest episode of The Drop.
There’s a lot to break down this week. After returning from an allegedly harrowing tropical vacation, filled with fiery volcanoes and equally fiery cannibals, Danny and Buck get into it, covering all you need to know about the conclusion of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, another surfer-driven brand launch, a notable North Shore scrap, and who looks good ahead of the first CT event of the year (according to Mikey C’s water angle).
Oh yeah, and there’s the news that our reigning World Champion will be out for the foreseeable future due to undisclosed personal issues, though there are reports of a minor hip injury. As Danny and Buck discuss, one wonders if the decision could allow Gabriel Medina to follow the path of other sporting greats who have taken time off during the prime period of their respective endeavors, only to return with a vengeance.
Kelly Slater took a break after five straight titles, only to come back and snag six more. Carissa Moore intended to take 2020 off after claiming her fourth title in 2019. (Of course, everyone took 2020 off.) She obviously didn’t miss a beat in 2021. Even this guy named Michael Jordan took two seasons off from professional basketball then won a second set of three consecutive titles.
But Jordan wasn’t adept on the baseball field like he was on the court. Given Gabriel’s competitive cunning and athletic makeup, he could be a star in whatever new sport he chose, if he were so inclined. He’s tight with Neymar, so maybe soccer. Volleyball is big in Brazil, and he could do it by the beach. But you want a sport that combines cruel mental battles with absurd skill and athleticism? Tennis is the name of the game.
In all seriousness, we wish Gabriel the best as he deals with whatever he has going on. Like Jordan’s return, he’ll be welcomed back with open arms. He’s had a polarizing run of dominance that’s impossible to ignore. It’s particularly hard to see him miss Pipeline, where he’s made five of the last eight finals (with one win). And we’re still itching like addicts for more JJF vs GM matchups.
Check out the Stab pod on Spotify, Soundcloud and Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get yours. This week covers:
– John John Florence and Carissa Moore (again) took home the VTCS title (3:05)
– Oh, they also won the 2021 Stab Surfer Of The Year (7:12)
– Gabriel Medina is taking an indefinite leave from the CT (11:43)
– Rivvia Projects and Julian Wilson’s new clothing brand (17:50)
– Are you grabbing a 7’6 or 6’2 for Pipeline? (22:55)
– The North Shore Coconut Wireless and Kolohe Andino flexes that sharp jawline (27:10)
– Surf Sin (29:20)
– The Stab CUSP (37:00)
– Pipeline lineup trends. Read more on that here (46:00)
– Mikey and Stace’s pick for the Billabong Pro Pipeline (1:03:50)
– Mikey’s Pipeline field notes (1:14:35)
Can’t wait to share your G.O.A.T. story or want some penance for your dastardly Surf Sin? Drop an audio file to [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]
Comments
Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.
Already a member? Sign In
Want to join? Sign Up