change is a thing skateboarder Leisa real I understand it better than most people.
At the age of 13, she won the silver medal in the first Women’s Street Contest. Tokyo 2020, growth in the literal sense was always inevitable. But it’s the growth she’s encountered otherwise that the 15-year-old has had to adjust to.
sit olympic dot com interview on the eve of , as the shining Emirati sun began to set. skateboard street world championships 2022 In 2023, when asked about the life they once knew and the life they know now, the Brazilian paused and looked back.
“The difference between the Olympics two years ago and Leysa today is that I’ve grown up,” she says simply.
“I am stronger physically and mentally now. I think I am more ambitious now.
“We also changed some tricks,” she adds. “I have a very heavy trick now.”
Rayssa Leal: Dealing with fear with a sports psychologist
When it comes to delivering results, few deny Lille’s increasing hunger.
Late last year she sweep of street league skateboard seriesgoing unbeaten at all three tour stops before claiming the coveted crown in front of a raucous home crowd in Rio de Janeiro.
It was a sign of total dominance, but it was much more for Lille.
Over a year ago, a young Brazilian sports psychologist To help her overcome the mental barriers that were beginning to take hold, it’s a decision she shares with equal pride and gratitude:
“It was really important to me. I was afraid that the obstacles were too high. I know I can try, but my mind is like, “Don’t do it.”
“My psychologist helped me unblock it. Thank God it’s going really well. We’ve been together for almost a year now and it’s happened to me as an athlete.” It was one of the best events ever.
“I’m still very young and in my life everything happened very quickly. Her help was essential for me.”
Rayssa Leal: Following in the footsteps of Leticia Bufoni
Another difference for Real since the tournament in Japan role model.
From the day she made headlines at age 7 Fadinha do Skate (Skateboard Fairy) after Tony hawk shared her video kick flipping Down a set of stairs, the Brazilian got his attention. But she was surprised when she called the Brazilian an inspiration for skaters and non-skaters alike.
“I always say Leticia (Bufoni) I have always been an inspiration since I was little and she still is, both as a person and as an athlete. It’s always really nice to give them. They saw me and liked it and asked my parents to let me skateboard.
“I am really happy that I can inspire not only my peers but also older people.
“Everyone here with me also inspires me to keep going. Filipe (Mota), Marina (Gabriella)and many others who are with me every day, including my brother.
Given the scrutiny that comes with being someone others look up to, it would be easy for Real to let their expectations weigh on her.
Finding joy in skateboarding allows her to be her best self, and with the support of those around her, she can continue to do so.
“I’m just having fun. Skateboarding is something I love. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t stop skateboarding,” says Leal.
“I also get help from my parents and staff. They are always there for me. If I need anything, they will be there to help me. Everyone is working on it.The more fun you have, the less pressure you feel.When you’re free, when you’re naturally skateboarding, when you’re relaxed.”
Watch Live: Rayssa Leal at the 2022 Street Skateboarding World Championships in 2023
Her recent impressive results have landed Leal at Sharjah’s Aljada Skatepark and made her one of the frontrunners to win the world title in the women’s street contest. But for his Tokyo 2020 podium mates, the current Olympic silver medalist’s challenge will not be easy. Momiji Nishiya and Nakayama ship Even on the field of Paris 2024 qualifying.
The Brazilian’s journey at the Street Skateboarding World Championship 2022 olympic channel The semi-finals will be live-streamed on Saturday, February 4th via Olympics.com.
At Olympics.com you’ll find all the latest from your favorite skateboarders, including news, interviews and updates from Sharjah.
