Despite being the youngest Philippine delegate for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Levi Jung-Ruivivar is brimming with excitement and pride as she takes a shot at glory.
Levi Jung-Ruivivar may be the youngest delegate of the Philippines for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, but her age belies the immense pride and maturity she brings with the honor of representing the country.
The 18-year-old Ruivivar proved her mettle and resolve at the 2024 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup series in Doha, Qatar held in April.
In need of a perfect 30 Olympic qualification points in her final routine on the uneven bars to secure her ticket to Paris, Ruivivar rose to the occasion. She opted for a difficult routine that she had never before attempted in a competition.
The promising Filipina-American gymnast showcased a dazzling display of grace, exceptional technique, and composure beyond years, resulting in a silver medal finish. She then placed second in the World Cup ranking on the uneven bars to secure an Olympic berth.
With less than two months left before the quadrennial showpiece, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, Ruivivar could not contain her excitement.
“I just want to carry the flag with honor and pride because I’m very excited to give my best performance possible,” Ruivivar shared in a press conference held at the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) Gymnasium in Intramuros on Thursday, May 30.
“Making the Olympics has always been my goal, so I’m just really, really excited. And just to go out there and do my best and make the finals and continue to hopefully win medals for the Philippines.”
In September 2023, Ruivivar completed a significant transition from the USA federation to the Philippine federation, a move that would pave the way for a historic campaign in Paris 2024.
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Ruivivar will not be the lone Filipino carrying the flag in the upcoming Olympics, as the country will be sending a team of four gymnasts for the first time in history. Joining her are Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, and Emma Malabuyo.
“I feel like we all feed off each other’s energy. I have to say the Philippines is always probably one of the loudest teams out there cheering for one another. We go into these competitions and support one another no matter what because it’s important to be like a family in a team,” Ruivivar said.
“I feel like we have a lot of support and respect for one another, and I think that’s something that’s really special about this team and will bring us a long way. I’m really excited and very honored.”
While Ruivivar qualified through the uneven bars, she has confirmed her participation in the all-around event. This means she will compete not only in the uneven bars but also in floor exercise, balance beam, and vault.
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In preparation for the upcoming challenge, she will return to Dallas, Texas, to put the finishing touches on her training regimen.
Though her time in the Philippines was brief, Ruivivar, accompanied by her father, Hollywood actor Anthony Ruivivar, ensured it was impactful.
During her visit to the GAP Gymnasium, she took the opportunity to inspire young Filipina gymnasts and generously donated her old leotards, leaving a lasting impression on the youth.
“I just want to give as much to them because they are the future of Philippine gymnastics,” Ruivivar said.
“I came here because I want to inspire them and that was a part of my journey as an athlete: To give back to the younger generation is amazing and If I can help them in any way in their journey, it’s just an honor to be part of their journey."