Levi Jung-Ruivivar is the youngest member of the Philippine Centennial Team for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, but one can make the case that she's among the toughest.
Levi Jung-Ruivivar will be the youngest member of the Philippine Centennial Team seeing action in Paris for the Olympic Games.
She’s the youngest, but one can make the case that she’s among the toughest.
[Related: Young and sweet, only 18: Levi Jung-Ruivivar harvests the fruit of dedication as the youngest Filipina athlete in Paris 2024]
At just 18 years old, Levi’s life experience has taken her through many hurdles, including needing surgery on both wrists, which are vital tools as a gymnast.
At just 18 years old, Jung-Ruivivar has already represented two countries in her budding international career. She started her journey with the United States, before changing her federation and choosing to represent the Philippines in 2023.
At just 18 years old, Levi’s life journey is just starting. But starting as a gymnast at the tender age of 18 months, her sporting life is at a pivotal moment.
Filipina gymnasts are rare at the Olympics, but for Paris 2024 the Philippines is able to send three, with Jung-Ruivivar doubling the tally after she joined Aleah Finnegan. Emma Malabuyo then made it hat-trick.
[Related: Glitz, Glam, and Girl Power: Gymnasts Emma Malabuyo, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Aleah Finnegan share their Filipina Connection in a podcast]
The whirlwind journey from the US to the Philippines to Paris as an Olympian may seem much for a teenager, but Levi is no ordinary 18-year-old.
She’s tough and ambitious and ready to win for the Philippines not only now, but for many years to come.
“If I’m talking to my younger self, I just wanna say I’m really proud of you. It’s been a long, tough journey, you’ve had two surgeries and you still managed to make it through. I just want to let you know that all those sacrifices were worth it,” she said, reflecting on her journey with One Sports.
[Related: Olympic reality sets in as Levi Jung-Ruivivar aims to be in best shape for Paris 2024]
“I’m very grateful to my younger self for pushing through all those hard times. Moving across the country with my family’s support, and just making all the sacrifices that I felt were really difficult at the time, it really paid off.
Now I’m able to go to the Olympics, and I have achieved one of my dreams and I know I can continue to achieve my dreams.”
(With reports from Ohmer Bautista)
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Story Summary:
- Levi Jung-Ruivivar, at 18, is set to be the youngest member of the Philippine Centennial Team at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, showcasing her resilience and determination.
- Overcoming wrist surgeries and having experience representing two nations, Levi epitomizes strength and ambition as she prepares to make a mark in gymnastics on the world stage.
- A symbol of perseverance and ambition, Levi Jung-Ruivivar's journey from the US to the Philippines culminates in her Olympic debut, embodying the spirit of a promising athlete ready to inspire.
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital team. The summary was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]