In a landmark moment for Philippine sports, Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, and Levi Jung-Ruivivar made history as the first female gymnasts from the Philippines to compete in the Olympics in 60 years. Their participation at the Paris 2024 Games marked a significant breakthrough for the country’s gymnastics program. However, their journey was cut short as they failed to advance to the event finals in women’s artistic gymnastics.
Historic Olympic Debut
The Paris Games signified a historic return for the Philippines in women’s gymnastics, ending a 60-year absence since Maria-Luisa Floro and Evelyn Magluyan competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Finnegan, Malabuyo, and Jung-Ruivivar’s presence was a milestone for the sport in the country, showcasing the rising talent and progress in Philippine gymnastics.
Challenging Road to the Finals
The path to the finals proved difficult for the trio. Gymnasts needed to be among the top 24 in the all-around or the top eight in each apparatus to advance. With only two gymnasts per country allowed in the finals, the competition was intense.
Jung-Ruivivar–the youngest at 18–demonstrated remarkable resilience, performing well despite an anaphylactic shock from allergies shortly before the event. She scored 13.600 in vault, 13.200 in uneven bars, 12.433 in floor exercise, and 11.866 in balance beam. Malabuyo earned 13.266 in vault, 13.100 in floor exercise, 12.500 in uneven bars, and 12.233 in balance beam. Finnegan achieved 13.387 in vault, 12.733 in floor exercise, 12.566 in uneven bars, and 11.466 in balance beam.
Looking Ahead
While their journey in Paris was brief, the efforts of Finnegan, Malabuyo, and Jung-Ruivivar have paved the way for future generations of Filipino gymnasts. Their historic participation has set a new standard and provided valuable experience for the sport in the Philippines.
