Paris 2024 athletes are using their visibility to raise awareness on climate and biodiversity, from skateboarder Rayssa Leal, Rugby 7s Alena Olsen and rower Imogen Grant
Paris 2024 Olympians have already brought us memorable moments on and off the field of play. Two athletes got engaged to be married at the Olympic Village ahead of the Opening Ceremony and USA Women’s Rugby Sevens bronze medallist Ilona Maher has become a social media viral sensation during this Olympic Games for her body positive and behind the scenes relatable content. Olympic athletes and medallists are also using their visibility and platforms to raise awareness for the environment, climate crisis and nature.Rayssa Leal
Brazilian skateboarding prodigy, 16 year old Rayssa Leal won a bronze medal on 28 July for skateboarding in Paris. As well as being her nation’s sweetheart as the youngest-ever Olympic medallist at age 13 in Tokyo, Leal grew up near the Amazon rainforest and has witnessed its destruction first-hand.
For Paris 2024, Leal collaborated with the International Olympic Committee to compete on a specially designed skateboard to raise awareness about the importance of protecting nature, featuring macaws, her favourite species from the Amazon.
