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After her winning performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Team Samsung Galaxy athlete Rayssa Leal (Brazilian street skateboarder) surprised fans by attending the Olympic™ rendezvous @ Samsung | Square Marigny. Fans gathered as she explored the space, posed for photos, and left her mark with an autographed skateboard and helmet, now on display at the venue during Paris 2024.
Samsung Newsroom, with coverage in Hooks Magazine, spoke with Rayssa Leal, bronze medalist in the women's street skateboarding competition, to revisit some of the highs and lows of her journey to the Olympics and learn how Galaxy was a fundamental part of her experience.
Q: How do you feel about seeing street skateboarding represented on such an iconic stage as the Olympics?
Leal: For us skateboarders, it was very exciting. Seeing the start of street skateboarding at the Olympics is amazing, and I hope the sport grows even more. The Olympics are an important chapter in our history, and I am very happy to be a part of it. The street skateboarding scene has evolved greatly — and the level this time was much higher than at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. I am especially proud of all the skateboarders and grateful to everyone who made this happen.
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Q: What was going through your mind during the competition?
Leal: I was nervous and afraid of not doing well. Still, I was proud of myself for making it to the final. My tricks and my family were on my mind — but the crowd was what moved me the most.
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Q: What is your favorite feature on the new Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition1, given to all athletes competing in Paris 2024?
Leal: The Auto Zoom feature2 is incredible. I'm having a lot of fun making various social media posts. This feature will help skateboarders and content creators because we can skate, make videos, and take perfectly framed selfies.
Q: What were you listening to during the competition?
Leal: Although I have many songs on my playlist, I choose the music depending on the situation. In the semifinals, I listened to Brazilian trap and rap to give me energy. During the finals, I listened to relaxing music so I wouldn’t be too nervous during the competition.
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Q: Any tips for Team Samsung Galaxy athletes who are still competing?
Leal: Go for it! We know it's all or nothing, so this is our chance. If we want it, we can make it! Breathe and stay calm because, after all, we worked hard to get here. Being here is already a victory, so take it easy! I would also like to say something to Sky Brown from Great Britain — I know many thoughts must be running through your mind right now. Just take a deep breath before the first trick and go for it.
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Q: What do you hope fans take away from your journey in Paris 2024?
Leal: I hope they felt my determination. Even sometimes when we think things aren't going well, a moment makes all the difference. Smile, have fun, and do what you love. Everyone should remember that there's a first time for everything.
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