Rodrigo Koxa may have beaten the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed but, apparently, only Brazilian fans, athletes, and media seem to recognize his feat.
The wave ridden at Praia do Norte, Nazaré, on May 4, 2017, reveals the truth about the surfing world- there's an anglophone side mainly formed by the United States and Australia, and the rest of the world.
Koxa has probably lived one of the best days of his life. And knowing how proud Brazilians are of their achievements, it's understandable that breaking a record of this magnitude ignites massive celebrations.
The man himself was ecstatic. He broke a record with seven years, in a place where small mistakes may have serious consequences.
"Thank you, everyone, for your support. You helped me believe that it was possible, and I got the bomb. It's been a dream come true. My God, what an honor!" expressed Rodrigo Koxa.
"I still can't find words for the gratitude to the universe. Thank you Serginho, my partner and the man who pulled me into that wave. The award is also yours."
Maya Gabeira, one of the most experienced female big wave surfers on the planet, and a familiar face in the Portuguese surf spot, read the world record announcement at the WSL Big Wave Awards and said: "Wow! I hoped that was going to happen!"
Big wave veteran Carlos Burle also left a few praising words for the new king of surfing.
"Yesterday was a historic day for the Brazilian big wave surfing community! There was no way we could not be appreciated the way we should! Lucas Chumbo is, in fact, the best surfer in the world today and, yes, Rodrigo Koxa broke the world record of the biggest wave surfed to date by surfing a gigantic 80-footer in Nazaré," added Burle.
However, there were no words from the top executives at World Surf League, no cheers from the pro surfers on the Championship Tour (CT), and no congratulatory words from Big Wave Tour competitors.
Interestingly, Garrett McNamara, the man who lost his 2011 world record to Koxa, was the first to give him words of praise, admiration, and approval. First class act.
"I am proud of you, Rodrigo. You are one of the most grateful people I have ever come across, and your gratitude, humbleness, eagerness, and willingness to ask for guidance has gotten you where you are," concluded the Hawaiian charger.
In the end, the sport of surfing has a new world record, but only a few seem to care.