Notable absences to the special dinner for Paris 2024 hosted by President Bongbong Marcos last August 13, and the homecoming parade the day after, were the gymnastics trio of Aleah Finnegan, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, and Emma Malabuyo.
The Philippine Centennial Team returned from the Olympic Games Paris 2024 last August 13, and what followed was an immediate frenzy that included celebrations and honors.
[Related: LOOK: Philippine Centennial Team return home after historic Paris 2024 campaign]
However, among the notable absences to the special dinner hosted by President Bongbong Marcos last August 13, and the homecoming parade the day after, were the gymnastics trio of Aleah Finnegan, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, and Emma Malabuyo.
On Monday, August 19, Levi took to social media to air her side.
“I heard from a member of the Olympic delegation that some sort of event was taking place in Manila to meet the President. On August 7th I sent a WhatsApp text message to my NSA head… and I asked what the event entailed,” Jung-Ruivivar wrote.
“On August 8th I received a message stating that it was only for medalists… I responded inquiring if that was in fact correct because I had heard all Olympians were invited. I never received a response or any further information,” she added.
[Related: LOOK: Philippine Centennial Team in Luneta as part of homecoming parade]
Levi said that she would have loved to come, especially since she had no obligations in the United States that would have been in conflict with the schedule.
“I was really hurt considering this was a once in a lifetime opportunity I missed out on. I wanted to be part of the celebration with my fellow Olympians to share in the excitement of the success of this Olympics with my country,” she said.
Despite the perceived miscommunication causing her to miss out of the festivities, Jung-Ruivivar reiterated her commitment to the national team and is grateful for the support she received so far.
“I am truly excited to continue competing for the Philippines. I look forward to taking every opportunity to come to the Philippines and hopefully inspire the new generation of Filipina gymnasts,” she said.
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Meanwhile, Aleah Finnegan likewise alluded to miscommunication as to why she wasn’t part of the local homecoming last week.
Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo held a gymnastics clinic in Manila over the weekend, and Aleah was part of the PBA Season 49 Opening Ceremony Sunday as muse for the Meralco Bolts.
[Related: Unveiling the Muse-tastic lineup: Fabulous faces shining at the PBA Season 49 Opening Ceremony]
“It was a miscommunication in the timing,” Finnegan told News5’s Martie Bautista.
“We were planning to going to a clinic in the Philippines we were hosting with Emma Malabuyo and I. Unfortunately the timing isn’t in our favor,” she added.
Just like Levi though, Aleah remains steadfast in her desire to represent the country in future competitions.
“I would love the opportunity to represent the Philippines once more<“ Finnegan said.
“Each time I compete I have so much love for this country and so much love and supports. So following next year i would love to represent the Philippines again.”