‘Jesus is the way, the truth and the life’: a moving testimony of faith from a 16-year-old Olympic medalist from Brazil

After securing a bronze medal in the Paris Olympics, 16-year-old Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal used sign language to express her faith

Rayssa Leal, of Brazil, gestures to fans after winning the bronze medal in the women's skateboard street final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
By Grzegorz Adamczyk
2 Min Read

At the Paris Olympics, amidst the pomp and controversy of the opening ceremony, 16-year-old Rayssa Leal from Brazil captured hearts worldwide. After clinching a bronze medal in skateboarding, Leal shared a poignant message using sign language: “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.”

The opening ceremony had sparked significant controversy by featuring a parody of “The Last Supper” and numerous references to LGBT ideology, provoking outrage among Christians globally. Amid these contentious displays, Leal’s gesture stood out as a heartfelt act of faith.

The young athlete’s bold statement quickly spread through social media, captivating audiences with her commitment to her beliefs.

Born in 2008, Leal has been a notable figure in sports since she became the youngest Olympic medalist in her country’s history at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago. She continues to impress on the global stage, this time not only for her athletic prowess but also for her courageous expression of faith.

In addition to her actions at the Olympics, Leal frequently shares her faith through social media. In a recent post celebrating her Olympic medal, she quoted the Bible: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Rayssa Leal’s brave testament adds a golden sheen to her bronze achievement, making her gesture one of the most memorable moments of the Paris Olympics.

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