Are you a skateboarder, or would you like to be one? 🛹
Skateboarding is a sport that you can start at any age, but Rayssa Leal from Brazil fell in love with it when she was just 6 years old!
Today, at the age of 15, the skating star holds multiple medals and even... THREE world record titles. 🥇
- youngest Olympic podium, from when she won the silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games
- youngest skateboarder to win a Women's Final at Street League Skateboarding Championship (SLS), at 11 years and 115 days of age
- youngest to podium at Street League Skateboarding Championship (SLS), just a few days later
It all started when Rayssa's dad gifted her a skateboard...
Soon after, she became internet famous when a video of her perfectly doing a heelflip down a set of stairs, whilst wearing a fairy princess costume, became viral overnight! 🧚🏽♀️
As Rayssa grew up, her love for the sport grew too and, eight years later, she is now a professional skateboarder with an amazing career!
Which, by the way, she manages to balance with her school studies and other hobbies. How does she even do it?! 😮
Well, according to her, it's hard but worth it: “When I'm skating I feel free to be whoever I want to be… I feel happy!
“The main challenge is the agenda for sure – I have to travel a lot to make it to all the contests.”
Thankfully, her mum and dad both encourage her to follow her dreams (as long as she doesn't fall behind at school!), as Rayssa confirmed saying, “They are always there to support me to do what I really love.”
Rayssa commented that she feels honoured and “super happy” to have broken three world records.
It's good to know that I can inspire young girls to do the same... To practise sports and do whatever they want, just being happy.
Rayssa then told us more about her other hobbies and interests:
“I enjoy sports in general, especially soccer! I used to play with my brothers at home. I also like playing video games, and I have an interest in fashion. Choosing my look for competitions is one of the things I enjoy doing with my mom.”
With an Olympic silver medal, two summer X Games gold medals and multiple gold and silver medals in World Championships, Rayssa is definitely shooting for the stars! ✨
When we asked her about her plans for the future, she told us:
“I want to improve my skills, learn new tricks and have the conditions to do my best to be in the best places.”
And last but not least, her advice to fellow girls and young women with big dreams is: “You girls can do whatever you want! Do your best, keep chasing your dreams, find motivation to be smiling and always be kind.”
We couldn't agree more. ❤️
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