~ Brazilian Olympic skateboarding star and two-time Olympic medallist Rayssa Leal has been named Global Ambassador for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), the first Olympic sporting event to be held on the African continent.
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 25.09.2026) :: One of the most recognisable young athletes in the world, Leal captured global attention as a teenager before winning Olympic silver on her debut at Tokyo 2020 and adding a bronze medal at Paris 2024. Her journey from young skateboarder to Olympic medallist has made her a role model for aspiring athletes around the world.
As Global Ambassador for Dakar 2026, Leal will help share the story of the Dakar 2026 YOG with audiences around the world. She will also bring the lessons of her own remarkable career to Dakar, where she will share her experience with young athletes and help them embrace the unique opportunities that come with competing at the YOG.
Leal’s appointment follows the involvement of other Olympians who have drawn on their own journeys to inspire and support young athletes through the YOG, with previous editions featuring figures such as Eileen Gu, Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, Michelle Wie, Yao Ming and Chad Le Clos.
Leal said she was proud to take on the role and support young athletes from around the world.
“I’m very happy because it’s a recognition of the journey I’ve built through a lot of hard work and dedication,” she said. “It’s an honour to have been chosen and to know that I can inspire children and young people in a positive way.”
Reflecting on her own journey, Leal said the success she experienced at a young age had helped shape her both as an athlete and as a person.
“When I started, I just wanted to skateboard. Everything happened so quickly, and I had to deal with situations and responsibilities that were much bigger than what you'd normally expect for someone my age. Looking back, I can see how much I've matured, and I'm very grateful for everything I learned throughout that journey.”
It is those experiences she now hopes to share with the young athletes preparing for Dakar 2026.
“My advice is to never give up on your dreams and to stay persistent and dedicated,” she said. “Responsibilities will come, but they become easier to handle when you’re doing what you love and have good people by your side. Never lose sight of who you are, and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small it may seem.”
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