At just 16 years old, Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal has once again captured the world’s attention—not just for her impressive skills on the skateboard, but for her open expression of faith. Competing in the women’s street skateboarding final at the Paris Olympics on July 28, Leal secured the bronze medal with a standout performance. However, what truly made headlines was her use of sign language to quote Scripture, specifically John 14:6, which says, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
This act of faith was particularly significant given the strict regulations surrounding religious expressions at the Olympics. Under France’s strict secularism principles, the display of religious symbols is prohibited, as outlined by Rule 50 of the International Olympic Committee’s charter, which emphasizes maintaining a neutral environment at Olympic venues. Despite these restrictions, Leal found a way to share her beliefs, underscoring the personal importance of her faith.
Leal, who first gained fame at the age of 7 when a video of her skateboarding in a fairy costume went viral, has consistently used her platform to express her Christian beliefs. She made history in 2021 as the youngest Brazilian to ever compete in the Olympics, winning a silver medal in street skateboarding at just 13 years old. Now, with a second Olympic medal under her belt, Leal’s influence continues to grow.
In an interview after her latest Olympic win, Leal reflected on her journey and the role her faith has played. “I’ve dreamed of becoming a skateboard athlete since I was very young,” she shared. “And here I am, with a second Olympic medal from the Games. Once again, thank God I won a medal. I’m very happy to be here.”
Leal’s faith is not just a private matter but a central part of her public identity. On Instagram, she frequently shares Bible verses and words of encouragement with her followers. Following her bronze medal win, she posted a section of Joshua 1:9, which reads, “Didn’t I command you? Be strong and courageous! Don’t get carried away or discouraged.” This reflects her consistent message of strength and courage rooted in her Christian beliefs.
When asked by the Brazilian media outlet UOL about her religious gesture during the competition, Leal explained, “I did it because I do it in every competition. For me, it is important; I am Christian, I believe a lot in God. There I asked for strength and sent a message to everyone, that God really is the way, the truth, and the life.”
Rayssa Leal’s remarkable achievements on the skateboard are matched only by her unwavering commitment to her faith, making her not just a role model in the world of sports but also a beacon of inspiration for many around the globe. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that faith and athleticism can indeed go hand in hand, even on the world’s biggest stage.
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