Rayssa Leal embracing change for Paris 2024: “I see it as a much greater evolution of

Standing on the top of the street skateboarding course, cap on and elbows back, you might not instantly single out Rayssa Leal as a superstar of her sport.

Dressed in loose-fitting clothes with headphones in, there isn’t much to distinguish Leal from any other skateboarder. Except, of course, if you happen to know the story of her meteoric ascent and current trajectory towards greatness.

It was during skateboarding’s debut at Tokyo 2020 in 2021 that Leal seemingly fulfilled a prophecy first written when she was a child.

A video of the young Brazilian, then just eight years old, performing a heelflip down a set of stairs dressed in a light blue fairy costume spread across the internet like wildfire until it eventually caught the eyes of Tony Hawk. “I don’t know anything about this but it’s awesome,” the legendary skater wrote in a caption as he joined in sharing the post.

The attention Leal garnered from the video only catalysed her rise as she began turning up and winning contests. When the Olympics eventually arrived and Leal took home the silver medal, it made sense. And for those that weren’t already aware of the prodigious talent, seeing a 13-year-old braces-wearing teenager smiling, laughing – and then succeeding – was just as fulfilling.

Inevitably, stardom struck. Leal became an icon in Brazil. Fashion brands pursued her; people stopped for photos, and celebrities became regular company. But perhaps most importantly, in the realm of skateboarding, she got even better.

Sitting for an interview with Olympics.com in Shanghai, then with over 50 days to go until the Games, it is with little surprise that change is the overriding theme for Leal approaching Paris.

“I see it as a much greater evolution of Tokyo. Because a lot has happened since Tokyo,” the Brazilian says, reflecting on the last three years. “Just seeing my evolution as a person; how much I’ve grown.”

Her body is one thing she identifies as different. Taller, and now much stronger thanks to hours spent in the gym, Leal says her upgraded frame has helped her become an even better skateboarder. Tricks that seemed beyond her size are now within her remit and her ability to deliver those has helped her maintain her position as a leader in women’s street with victories at the Street World Championships Sharjah 2022 and the first Olympic Qualifier Series stop in Shanghai the perfect proof.