Rayssa Leal Wins Bronze in Paris Olympics

Rayssa Leal, a 16-year-old Brazilian skateboarder, won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making her the youngest Brazilian to win double Olympic medals. During her victory, Leal quoted John 14:6 in sign language, expressing her Christian faith, despite supposed restrictions against religious expressions at the Games. Her performance, which saw her rise from fifth to third place with a score of 92.88, was celebrated by fans who felt a strong emotional connection to her success. The opening ceremony of the Olympics faced backlash for its controversial portrayals, leading to further criticism from some Christian communities. Leal's triumph is particularly significant given Brazil's historical prohibition of skateboarding, which was overturned in the late 1980s. Her journey exemplifies both personal achievement and the evolving perception of skateboarding in Brazil, now celebrated internationally.