[Interview] Paris 2024: Rayssa Leal and Jagger Eaton — Team Samsung Galaxy Skateboarders and Olympic Medalists — Share Message To Inspire the Next Generation

Fresh from their medal-winning performances at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Team Samsung Galaxy athletes Rayssa Leal (Skateboarding, Brazil) and Jagger Eaton (Skateboarding, USA) surprised fans at the Olympic™ rendezvous @ Samsung | Square Marigny. Fans gathered as the athletes explored the space, posed for pictures and left their mark with a signed board and helmet — now on display at the space throughout Paris 2024.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with Leal, bronze medalist in the Women’s Street Skateboarding competition, and Eaton, silver medalist in the Men’s Street Skateboarding competition, to revisit some of the ups and downs on their journey to the Olympics and learn how Galaxy was a key part of their experience.

Q. How do you feel seeing street skateboarding represented on a stage as iconic as the Olympics?

Leal: For us skaters, it was very emotional. Seeing the beginning of skateboarding in the Olympics is very cool, and I hope the sport grows even bigger. The Olympics are an important chapter in our story, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. The skateboarding scene had a huge evolution — and the level this time was so much higher than the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. I am especially proud of all the female skateboarders and thankful for everyone who made this happen.

Eaton: The Olympic Games bring any sport to new heights. It’s amazing for people, especially young kids, to see the creativity, discipline, fear and beauty of skateboarding. If there is one thing I hope that anyone takes away from watching skateboarding on such a big stage, it is to buy a skateboard.

Q. What was the biggest highlight and challenge faced during your competition?

Eaton: Oh my goodness! My biggest downfall was missing the final for the park skateboarding competition by one spot in the 2024 Olympic Qualifier Series in Budapest. That was really hard. My biggest highlight was making a nollie 270 switch backside noseblunt in the street skateboarding competition at Paris 2024 that I’ve never made in my entire life.

Q. What was going through your mind during the competition?

Leal: Man, I was nervous and afraid of not doing well. Yet, I was proud of myself for making it to the final. My tricks and family were on my mind — but the crowd was what moved me the most.

Q. What is your favorite feature in the new Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition given to all athletes competing at Paris 2024?

Leal: The Auto Zoom feature is awesome. I’ve been having a blast making several social media posts in my room. This feature will help skaters and content creators since we can skate, make videos and take selfies with perfect framing.

Eaton: I love how compact the Galaxy Z Flip6 is. I was worried about having a big phone in my pocket because I knew I would be skating in gym shorts. With the Galaxy Z Flip6, I could just pop it in my pocket and go.

Q. What were you listening to with Galaxy during the competition?

Leal: While I have a lot of songs on my playlist, I choose my music depending on the situation. In the semifinals, I listened to Brazilian trap and rap to give me energy. During the finals, I listened to relaxing music to calm my nerves.

Q. Any words for fellow Team Samsung Galaxy athletes who are still competing?

Leal: Go all out! We know it’s all or nothing, so this is our chance. If we want it, we can do it! Breathe and stay calm because despite everything, we worked hard to get here. Being here is already a victory, so take it easy! I’d also like to say something to Sky Brown from Great Britain — I know a lot of thoughts must be going through your head right now. Just take a deep breath before the first trick and go for it.

Eaton: As Team Samsung Galaxy athletes, we all understand how important it is to never give up — no matter how often we want to throw in the towel.

Q. What do you hope fans take away from your Paris 2024 journey?

Leal: I hope they felt my determination. Even though we sometimes think things are not going well, one moment makes all the difference. Smile, have fun and do what you love. Everyone should remember there’s a first time for everything.

Eaton: Never give up, and never stop trying. It’s so easy to give up when you’re going for an insane goal like an Olympic gold medal. But as much as a gold medal matters, the journey itself is priceless. You will wish to do it all over again.