Levi Jung Ruivivar, Emma Malabuyo, and Aleah Finnegan, the three Filipina gymnasts who represented the Philippines in the Paris Olympics 2024 expressed frustration after being uninvited to the homecoming parade in the country.
Most recently, Ruivivar on Monday, released a statement on her social media to address her absence along with fellow gymnasts Emma and Aleah, on the Heroes’ Welcome Parade last August 14, Wednesday.
“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,” she wrote.
Ruivivar claimed she was never informed of the event, nor was invited to attend the said post-Olympics event in Manila.
The Pinay gymnast shared a screenshot of her conversation with Gymnastics Association of the Philippines(GAP) President Cynthia Carrion who said that the event was only for the medalists including double gold medallist Carlos Yulo and bronze medallist boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio.
“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. And I still haven’t had any communication about it,” shared Ruivivar.
Ruvivar went on to share that she was surprised to see Filipino Olympians, except her, Aleah and Emma in Manila participating in the courtesy call with President BongBong Marcos and the parade.
“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 and to share in the excitement of the success of the Olympics with my country, the Philippines.
“I truly wish I could have gone considering I sacrificed endlessly to perform for my country and to make everyone proud,” she added.
Despite this, Ruiviviar offered her gratitude to the “support, love and Pinoy pride” she received following the Paris Olympics 2024.
“I am truly excited to continue competing for the Philippines, and I look forward to taking every opportunity to come to the Philippines and hopefully inspire the new generation of Filipina gymnasts that are the future,” she continued.
Meanwhile, after being asked by fans on their whereabouts, Finnegan and Malabuyo also earlier revealed that they weren’t aware of the welcoming ceremony but would have loved to attend if they were invited.
Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary Dale De Vera, however, said in a briefing that all athletes were invited to the event although the invitation wasn’t directly extended to the Filipino athletes.
”Hindi natin masasabi na hindi na-invite all athletes, all the Paris Olympians from the Philippines were invited to attend the ceremony at the Palace,” De Vera was quoted as saying in a GMA report.
“Pero ‘yun nga po, linawin natin, the invitations were coursed through the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission at hindi po siya directly to the athletes,” he added.
