At just 16 years old, Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal captured attention and sparked debate at the Paris Olympics on Sunday by incorporating a Christian message into her performance. Competing in the women’s skateboard final, Leal used her moment in the spotlight to sign a Bible verse into the camera. The verse from John 14:6 reads: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
Leal, a devout Catholic, secured a bronze medal in the competition. In a post-event interview, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “Once again, thank God I won a medal. I’m very happy to be here.”
The gesture has ignited controversy due to the International Olympic Committee’s Rule 50, which prohibits political, religious, or ethnic demonstrations at Olympic venues and podiums. The rule aims to maintain neutrality in the Olympic Games, as reported by Catholic News Agency.
Leal’s act of faith contrasts sharply with the contentious opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics, which faced backlash for its portrayal of religious themes. According to The Daily Wire, the ceremonies included a controversial parody of The Last Supper, featuring an obese woman with a halo as Jesus, surrounded by drag queens dressed as the Apostles, and a decapitated head symbolizing Marie Antoinette. The depiction of drag queens dancing around children further fueled the debate.
Leal’s display has underscored the ongoing tensions between personal expression and the strict regulations governing Olympic events.
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