Paris 2024 Olympics: Medalist openly expresses his Christian faith in sign language

Brazilian skater Rayssa Leal, 16 years old and winner of the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, expressed her faith during the competition, stating that “Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

Rayssa gave her message in Brazilian Sign Language when she was introduced at the competition.

With this, the teenager, who is evangelical, managed to circumvent the ban on religious messages in the Olympic Games. The Olympic Charter determines in its rule 50 that “no type of political, religious or racial demonstration is permitted.”

During yesterday’s competition, in addition to the sign message, Rayssa Leal wore a necklace with a cross-shaped pendant, which she kissed before entering the track.

Christ the Redeemer prohibited

While Rayssa managed to circumvent the rule against religious messages of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Brazilian surfer João Chianca, known as Chumbinho, was prohibited from using his boards with images of Christ the Redeemer.

Chumbinho had personalized his own boards with the image of Christ the Redeemer, an iconic image of Rio de Janeiro and one of the seven wonders of the modern world. But he was notified by the IOC and had to change equipment at the last minute.

“I just received the news that the image is not authorized in the Olympic Games because Christ is a religious figure. And the Games have strict rules and focus on total neutrality,” said the Internet user in a story on his Instagram.

The Brazilian thanked “everyone’s support” and said that “these boards look beautiful.” “I will always seek to repaint this picture,” he added.

Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in ACI Digital.