Lionel Medina has taken out the 2020 World Cup Gran Canaria Frontón King, held in Gáldar, Las Palmas.
The 21-year-old bodyboarder has become the youngest rider in history to win the iconic competition.
Medina, a former vice world junior champion, beat the two-time world champion and three-time event winner, Amaury Lavernhe, in an exciting and tight final.
The 30-minute final was decided in the last minutes. Actually, both riders ended up tied on points, but the highest-scoring wave prevailed.
"I am very happy and very proud because I've won not only the event but also defeated Amaury Lavernhe, which is something almost impossible," expressed Lionel Medina.
"It was quite a challenge, but I was able to take it. Now, it's time to move on, competing, improving, and enjoying surfing."
A Young Talent Rises
The Canarian bodyboarder from the seaside neighborhood of San Cristóbal has been making waves in the sport at an international level for quite a while.
But this exclamation mark might put him in the spotlight for the upcoming challenges.
Despite losing the final, Lavernhe was happy with his performance and result.
"I was not able to win it this year, but I'm happy that this talented young man. Hopefully, he can make a career in this sport even though that is very difficult," added the French rider.
The third and fourth place was decided between Jonathan Vega and Igor Sánchez.
The duo gave their best to climb on the podium, and in the end, it was Vega who finished third.
Pierre-Louis Costes suffered an injury during one of his heats and was forced to exit the contest earlier.
The 2020 World Cup Gran Canaria Frontón King was the only professional bodyboard event to be held this year at an international level.
2020 World Cup Gran Canaria Frontón King | Final
1. Lionel Medina (CNY) 13.25
2. Amaury Lavernhe (FRA) 13.25