Gymnast Levi Ruivivar felt “really hurt” after missing homecoming for PH Olympians

August 19, 2024 Philippines Sports

Levi Ruivivar was told that the Heroes’ parade was only for Carlos Yulo and the two boxers who won bronze medals in Paris Olympics 2024.

Olympic gymnast Levi Ruivivar admitted that she was “really hurt” when she did not received an invitation to the celebratory Heroes’ Parade for Team Philippines.

Aside from Ruivivar, Paris Olympic gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo, as well as golfers Dottie Ardina and Bianca Pagdanganan, were not with the Philippine delegation that was paraded along the streets of Manila held on August 14, 2024.

The athletes were also not part of the courtesy call on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., an event that highlighted the achievements of the country’s Olympians.

In a statement posted on her Instagram account, Ruivivar expressed her hurt and frustration. “I truly wish from the bottom of my heart that I could have attended and been part of this event, but unfortunately, I was never informed that I was invited or [was] presented with the opportunity to go,” she wrote.

Ruivivar also shared a screenshot of her message exchange with Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion, in which she inquired about the details of the event. Carrion responded that the event was only for medalists “Carlos and our 2 bronze medalist boxers.”

Carrion was referring to Carlos Yulo who is the country’s first double gold medallist Olympian after ruling the floor exercise and vault. She was also referring to Olympic bronze medalists Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio.

Ruivivar, however, had heard that all Olympians were invited and sought clarification, but she said she received no further communication.

“The following week, I was surprised when I saw all Filipino Olympians, except for me, Aleah, and Emma, in Manila participating in a meeting with President BongBong Marcos and participating in a parade. I was really hurt considering this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I missed out on,” Ruivivar added.

Ruivivar emphasized her desire to have been part of the celebration with her fellow Olympians and to share in the excitement of the success of the 33rd Summer Games.

“I wanted to be part of the celebration with my fellow Olympians and to share in the excitement of the success of this Olympics with my country, the Philippines. I truly wish I could have gone considering I have sacrificed endlessly to perform for my country and to make everyone proud.”

Despite the disappointment, Ruivivar remains focused on her future in gymnastics, expressing her eagerness 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 that are the future.”

Finnegan was recently in Manila for the opening ceremony of the new Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season as the Meralco Bolts’ muse. Finnegan expressed her disappointment on Tiktok, stating, “We weren’t informed about it, so we didn’t make it.” She added that she “would’ve loved to join” the celebration that honored the nation’s athletes.

Pole vaulter EJ Obiena, boxer Eumir Marcial, and weightlifter Vanessa Sarno were also not present due to prior commitments.