Olympic medallist Rayssa Leal to inspire next generation as Dakar 2026 Global Ambassador

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.

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.”

More than sport: friendship and cultural exchange

For Leal, the YOG are about much more than sporting performance.

 “One of the best parts of events like these is meeting people from all over the world and sharing experiences with other athletes,” she said. “All of that helps you learn, grow as a person and understand that sport is also a way of bringing people together and creating genuine friendships.”

She believes Dakar 2026 will offer a unique opportunity to inspire young people across Africa and beyond.

“When an event of this scale takes place somewhere, it inspires children and young people to believe that they can be part of that world too. Seeing athletes up close, discovering new sports and experiencing the energy of the Games can spark so many dreams. I also hope it leaves an important legacy for sport in the region by creating more opportunities for future generations.”

Looking ahead to her visit to Africa, Leal said she is excited to discover Dakar and experience Senegalese culture.

“I love discovering new places and different cultures. I’m looking forward to exploring the city and getting to know the local culture more closely. I think experiences like these make every trip even more special and show how sport can bring cultures together and create connections between people from all over the world.”

Leal will also serve as one of the 36 Athlete Role Models for Dakar 2026, providing mentoring and sharing her experience with young athletes through workshops during Dakar 2026.

The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing together around 2,700 young athletes aged up to 17 across three host zones: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.