Rayssa Leal Wins Bronze, Defies IOC Rule 50

Sixteen-year-old Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal won the bronze medal in the women's street skateboarding event at the Paris Olympics and used sign language to quote John 14:6 from the Bible, expressing her Christian faith. Despite the International Olympic Committee's Rule 50, which prohibits religious demonstrations, Leal shared her gratitude and faith openly, a gesture that resonated with many viewers. Leal, who first gained fame at age 7 from a viral skateboarding video, secured her second Olympic medal by landing a challenging trick she had never attempted in competition before. The reaction to her religious expression was mixed, with some praising her faith and others criticizing the perceived violation of Olympic rules. Leal also highlighted the importance of daily perseverance and faith in her post-win comments.