From Fairy Flips to Global Fame: Rayssa Leal Brings Her Magic to Miami

The skating scene in Miami just got a major upgrade—Brazil’s youngest Olympic medalist, Rayssa Leal, is in town for the latest stop on the Street League Skateboarding (SLS) tour. And if her track record is any hint, fans are in for a treat.

BS Tail, Photo/Justin Crawford

Rayssa, now a teen sensation, first captured hearts at just seven years old when a video of her landing a heel flip in a fairy costume went viral. “Fadinha” (“Little Fairy”), as she’s lovingly known, didn’t just become a viral moment—she became a movement.

Interview by Markin Abras

“I try to go into all SLS competitions the same way—just stay calm, have fun, and do my best to land my tricks,” she says. “I don’t put too much pressure on myself. I love skating, and when I’m enjoying it, that’s when I do my best.”

It’s a mindset that’s clearly working. Rayssa’s list of achievements is longer than most athletes twice her age: Olympic silver in Tokyo 2020 at just 13, a bronze in Paris 2024, three-time SLS Super Crown Champion (2022–2024), and a World Championship win at the 2024 World Skate Games in Rome. She even nabbed gold at the 2022 X Games. With that kind of résumé, you’d expect nerves—but Rayssa’s learned to flip pressure into fuel.

SLS OKYO, Photo/Kenji Haruta

“The pressure definitely gets real, especially when you're down to your last trick,” she admits. “But I kinda use that energy to hype myself up. Like, ‘Okay, now it’s time!’ The crowd helps a lot too—their support gives me confidence and reminds me I’m not alone out there.”

Now in Miami, she’s soaking in a city that feels surprisingly familiar. “Yeah, I’ve been to Miami before and I love the vibe there! The weather feels a lot like Brazil—warm and sunny, which I love,” she says. “The city has a really cool energy and some great street spots to skate. I’m excited to explore more of that this time.”

Bs Lip SLS SP/PM

If she had a free day without competitions? It wouldn’t be complicated. “I’d go skate some local street spots, maybe check out some sneaker shops and grab good food. Just chill, skate, and explore the city a little—those are the best kinds of days.”

For someone who’s been skating competitively across continents, Rayssa’s got a keen eye for differences in scene and culture. “Skating in the U.S. has this huge street culture vibe—you feel it in every session. There’s always new spots, amazing parks, and a lot of people filming and creating content,” she says. “But what makes it extra special is that, no matter where I go, there’s always Brazilian fans cheering me on. They bring so much energy that it makes anywhere feel like home.”

Though known globally as “Fadinha,” there’s more to Rayssa than just her skating persona. “A lot of people don’t know how much I love soccer—I play whenever I can!” she shares. “And my playlist? It’s super random. I go from trap to pop to Brazilian funk, even some mellow songs. Music always sets the mood for me, on and off the board.”

Front Blunt, SLS TOKYO, Photo Kenji Haruta

Video Gif//SportsTV

Part of what fuels her success is community—skating with friends who push and inspire her. “I love skating with my friends from Brazil like Giovanni Vianna, Marina Gabriela and Filipe Mota—they always bring the hype,” she says. “And I really enjoy skating with Keet from the Netherlands too! We all push each other, try new tricks, and keep it fun. It’s always better when we’re laughing and landing stuff together.”

And her favorite place to return to? Not some huge stadium or famous park—but a long ledge in China. “The vibe there is unreal—so many skaters from around the world, and the energy is amazing,” she says. “You can skate, meet people, and just be part of this big community. I love it.”

Despite her world-class status, Rayssa is still wonderfully grounded. “I get super annoyed when I’m hungry and there’s nothing to eat,” she laughs. But what brings her real joy? “Being with people I love, doing what I love. Whether it's skating, listening to music, or just laughing with friends and family—those little moments bring me the most joy.”

As the SLS competition heats up in Miami, one thing’s certain: Rayssa Leal isn’t just skating—she’s still making magic.

SLS 2024, Photo/Justin Crawford

By Markin Abras