Yes, fairy tales come true, and Rayssa Leal is the embodiment of that. The little Brazilian is not just any fairy, she works magic every time she gets on the skateboard.
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Skateboarding is a fashionable sport that was spotlighted for the first time in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where Jhulia Rayssa Mendes Leal, at her young age and showing off her ability to defy gravity, managed to win the silver medal.
Originally from Imperatriz, in the state of Maranhão, at age 13 she is considered one of the new jewels of sport who burst onto the public scene through some of her videos on social networks, where she is seen wearing a suit costume and a tutu as she performs her tricks on the streets, in true “street skateboarding” style.
In 2019, Jhulia Rayssa gave a demonstration of her agility and balance by participating in the 2019 Street League Skateboarding Championship, held in London, where she compiled 26 points and with it a third place finish after beating more established skaters like Alexis Sablone and Leticia Bufoni.
That same year when competing in the Street League Skateboarding Championship held in Los Angeles, she won first place. The South American skater also debuted at the X Games, where she finished in fourth place.
Rayssa Leal wants to inspire more girls
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were the ideal showcase for sponsors to be invest in Rayssa Leal, a smiling little girl who never gives up and who is competitive until the end, but above all, who enjoys everything she achieves with her skateboard.
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Vai começar a final! ?♂️?
Dancinha da medalha! ??????♀️??♀️#RayssaLeal #SLS #skateboard pic.twitter.com/qwFBvSBdaf
— Rayssa Leal – OFICIAL (@rayssaleal) August 28, 2021
“I have not assimilated it yet. To be able to represent Brazil and be one of the youngest to win a medal. I am very happy, this day will go down in history. I try to have fun as much as possible because I am sure that if you have fun, things will flow” said the skilled Brazilian after coming down from the podium.
The fame she acquired in the “Land of the Rising Sun” opened the door to sponsorships from multinational brands such as Nike and Monster Energy.
“I am very happy to encourage other girls to take up sports. Skateboarding is also a women’s sport, it is a sport for everyone. I want other girls to have the same opportunity as me to see their lives and dreams come true through sports. We just have to believe in ourselves and our potential,” said Leal.