Brazilian skateboarder uses sign language to praise God after winning bronze at 2024 Olympics

You know what’s crazy? People weren’t that mad when we all heard about the extracurricular activities Olympians are coming in. And yet, here we are! So, a little context is needed first. The 2024 Olympics kicked off with the Opening Ceremony — as tradition dictates! However, folks, for reasonswere extremely unhappy with some of the performances. As a result, the Olympic Games as an organization has been accused of being anti-religious.

And that brings us to the moment when 16-year-old Rayssa Leal shared her message of faith through sign language. Leal won the bronze medal in the women’s street skateboarding event. She then used sign language to say, “Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” With tensions mounting around the Paris Games, the moment served to further fuel divisions.

??BREAKING: Catholic speed skater Rayssa Leal won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. She was reportedly told she was not allowed to praise Jesus Christ.

Leal responded by saying in sign language, “Jesus is the way, the truth and the life,” to protest.

This is very… photo.twitter.com/j5XJQ83AFD

— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) July 28, 2024

Many people online were pleased with the gesture, feeling it was necessary after what was seen as an insult to the Paris Games themselves. “I DON’T WATCH THE MATCHES. BUT she made me watch NOW. AMAZING!” cheered one Instagram user.

“This is exactly what I needed to see today! God has blessed this sweet girl, but she gives him all the glory.” Many people could indeed relate to Leal’s show of faith. Some, however, were not so enthusiastic about the gesture.

Brazilian skateboarder shows her faith at the Olympics

“Next thing you know, Christians have to blink in Morse code to say what they believe,” complained one X (formerly known as Twitter) user. Leal was reportedly told she would not be allowed to express her faith during the Games.

Someone summed up the divisive nature of this year’s Games perfectly. “This year’s Olympics will be surrounded by terrible controversy. Thanks to the IOC and the organizing committee for their great work. What a debacle!”

The Olympics have certainly been on the back foot with a recent series of setbacks. First the attacks on the French railway system and fibre optic networks. Then the ill-fated opening ceremony and everything surrounding it. It almost seems as if the actual content of the events themselves is the least from everyone’s worries!