Brazilian Olympian Rayssa Leal gave glory to God before scoring a Bronze medal in the skateboarding competition. The 16-year-old made history at the 2020 Olympics by being the youngest Brazilian competitor to ever compete at just 13 years old. She was also one of the youngest medalists ever after she received the Silver. This year, athletes were introduced just before their preliminary run, with competitors flashing heart signs or other endearments. Leal, a Catholic, chose to sign out the passage John 14:6, which states “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.”

There have been some allegations that Leal chose to sign the verse as a silent protest to France’s “secularism principle” or “Laïcité,” which prohibits French athletes from displaying religious symbols. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) states that IOC rules apply to athletes, permitting them to openly acknowledge their beliefs. “For the Olympic Village, the IOC rules apply. There are no restrictions on wearing the hijab or any other religious or cultural attire,” said an IOC spokesman. Leal praised God after her Bronze medal win. “When I was very young, I dreamed of becoming a skateboard athlete. And here I am, with a second Olympic medal from the Games. Once again, thanks [sic] God I won a medal. I’m very happy to be here.” She further thanked God on her Instagram. “I don’t know how to explain everything I’m experiencing. I just know how to thank,” she wrote. She went on to thank God, her family and friends, and her sponsor.

YouTuber Dom Lucre praised Leal on social media. “Rayssa Leal, a Catholic skater won a Bronze Medal at the Paris World Olympics and she allegedly was told she wasn’t allowed to praise Jesus Christ,” he wrote. He suggested an anti-Christian bias from the Olympics, noting the controversial opening ceremony that appeared to be mocking Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” The backlash has resulted in several sponsors pulling their support from the Olympics. A spokesperson for the Olympics has issued an apology for the opening, claiming any offensiveness was unintentional. “There was never an intention to show disrespect to a religious group. If people have taken any offense, we are, of course, really sorry.”