Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal used sign language to quote Scripture before a preliminary run at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, on Sunday (July 28).
The 16-year-old Leal signed a reference to John 14:6, which says “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life,” when she was introduced before her run.
Leal’s preliminary run was enough to advance to the finals, where she won the Bronze Medal. This is Leal’s second Olympic games and the second time she has received a medal.
In 2020, when she was 13, Leal became Brazil’s youngest Olympian to compete in the Olympic games and was one of the youngest Olympians ever to medal at the games. Leal won the silver medal in the women’s street skateboarding event at the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo, Japan.
After her bronze medal win, Leal told reporters, “When I was very young, I dreamed of becoming a skateboard athlete. And here I am, with a second Olympic medal from the Games. Once again, thanks [sic] God I won a medal. I’m very happy to be here.”
It is unclear why Leal used sign language to convey her message. Some reports indicate it might have been due to France’s secularism principle, known as Laïcité, which encourages the belief that government and religion should be kept separate.
However, according to an Olympic committee spokesperson, those restrictions do not apply to Olympians.
As the skateboarders were being introduced, each gestured while greeting the camera. Some gave heart symbols and others gave peace symbols. Leal quoted an entire Bible verse.
On Instagram, Leal said, “I don’t know how to explain everything I’m experiencing. I just know how to thank.” The young skateboarder went on to thank God, family, friends, and everyone who cheered her on.
The 2024 Olympic games started off with controversy after an Opening Ceremony performance featured drag queens who appeared to parody Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”
JESUS IS THE TRUTH.
Rayssa Leal was told she wasn't allowed to praise Jesus Christ at the Olympics.
Leal responded by saying, 'Jesus is the way, the truth and the life' in sign language to protest…
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) July 29, 2024
.){kind=link}