Brazilian prodigy Rayssa Leal has her Olympic fairytale ending

Rayssa Leal captured the attention of the world when she won a silver medal in the women’s street skateboarding competition at Tokyo 2020.

The Brazilian was pipped to gold by another 13-year-old, NISHIYA Momiji of Japan, who scored 15.26 over Leal’s 14.64.

The teens both won the world over with their innovative skateboarding style and impressive execution.

But it wasn’t Leal’s first time in the public consciousness.

A short video clip of the skateboarder perfectly executing a heelflip down a set of stairs while donning a bright blue tutu as part of a fairy princess costume perfect went viral on social media. The video of Leal quickly amassed millions of views.

One of those who watched the clip and was mightily impressed by the young talent’s ability was none other than skateboard pioneer Tony Hawk, who subsequently shared the video on his own social media.

He didn't yet know it, but Hawk had discovered one his sport’s brightest, up-and-coming athletes.

Rayssa Leal strikes silver at Tokyo 2020

Fast forward to Tokyo 2020, and that very same internet sensation is now Brazil’s youngest-ever Olympic medallist.

And no one was more elated than Leal herself:

“I feel very happy. I made history at 13. I hope I can be at many Olympic Games.”

“I just did all I could do. I’m really touched, really emotional. It’s been a dream of mine to be here and have a medal around my neck, to make Brazil proud, and that’s very satisfying for me.”

The young skate star also took time to thank her parents who she credited for having made it to Japan. Leal shared:

“All the effort that my mum and dad put in to get me here, and now I’m here and I can tell them that everything went right and I’m just super happy.”

From online fame at seven to making history at 11

Leal always looked destined for greatness when, at just 11 years old, the Brazilian made history in her sport.

In 2019, the goofy-footed skateboarder became the youngest street skater ever to win a women’s final on the Street League Skateboarding World Tour in Los Angeles.

She defeated the then-world number one, fellow Brazilian Pamela Rosa, to take victory.

In the same year, Leal went on to make her X Games debut at the X Games Minneapolis 2019.

The young gun seemed unfazed by the scale of the event, and showed her talent and competitive instincts as she finished just outside the medals in fourth place.

At June's Street World Championships in Rome, Leal managed to collect a bronze medal behind NISHIMURA Aori and subsequent Tokyo gold medallist Nishiya.

Leal again won the battle of Brazil, beating Rosa and her skateboarding hero, Leticia Bufoni.

At just 13, Leal's future looks as bright as the blue dress she wore all those years ago.

Watch out, Paris 2024!