This is the heroic moment when Olympic kitesurfer Bruno Lobo rescued a teenage girl who was drowning at a beach in Brazil.

Lobo, an experienced kitesurfer and orthopaedic surgeon, had just set out to test new video equipment when he heard cries for help at Praia do Olho in Sao Luis, Maranhao, on Friday, January 10.

The girl, Maria Duarte, 15, had become caught in a powerful current and was struggling to stay afloat, on the brink of drowning.

Dramatic footage shows Lobo skillfully navigating his kite back toward the distressed holidaymaker, offering calm reassurance as he urged her to climb onto his back.

Lifeguards immediately provided first aid when they reached the beach.

Lobo said: 'It was the day God used me as an instrument to save this young woman. All honour and glory to Him.'

The athlete, a two-time Pan American Formula Kite Champion, is also an Olympic sailor who recently competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.