Here’s Why Gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo Missed Homecoming For Olympic Athletes

August 16, 2024 Philippines Sports

The absence of Filipino Olympic gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo from the recent homecoming parade and reception at Malacañang Palace has sparked concerns and confusion among fans. Both athletes revealed that they were not informed about the events, leading to their unexpected absence.

In response to questions from fans on Tiktok, Aleah Finnegan expressed her disappointment, 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.

Emma Malabuyo, who also missed the event, echoed similar sentiments. On Tiktok, Emma responded to a fan who asked her in the comments’ section: “I wanted to go but they didn’t tell me about it.”

Both athletes’ absence left many wondering why they were not part of the heroes’ welcome.

The homecoming parade, which took place on August 13 at Malacañang Palace and continued with a heroes’ parade in Manila on August 14, was meant to celebrate the achievements of Filipino Olympians who represented the country in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Aleah, Emma, and fellow gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar made history as the first female gymnasts to represent the Philippines in the Olympics in six decades. Despite their historic participation, they were notably absent from the events.

Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary Dale de Vera addressed the situation during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing. De Vera clarified that all Filipino athletes who competed in the Paris Olympics were indeed invited to the ceremony. However, the invitations were not directly extended to the athletes but were instead channeled through the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.

“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. 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,” De Vera was quoted as saying in an August 16 report published by GMA Network.
De Vera further noted that some athletes, including Finnegan and Malabuyo, had already left for their next competitions, which contributed to their absence. “We were informed that five athletes were flown directly to their next competition. Ang apat po sa kanila ay lumipad papunta sa US at yung isa naman ay may competition sa Scotland. Kasama po ang ating gymnast na si Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo doon sa mga may competition or pumunta ng US right after the Paris Olympics,” he added.

POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino also commented on the situation, suggesting that the athletes’ National Sports Association should provide further clarification. “Yung NSA na lang nila ang mag-explain doon. Wala naman kaming, ang alam kasi namin umalis na sila ng maaga,” Tolentino said in a report by 24 Oras.

The Philippines emerged as the best Southeast Asian team in the Olympics, closing out Paris 2024 with four medals. Gymnast Carlos Yulo led the medal tally with two golds in the men’s floor exercise and vault, while boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio each secured a bronze.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the First Family welcomed the Olympians at Malacañang Palace, where each athlete received a cash reward. Yulo was awarded P20 million and a Presidential Medal of Merit for his achievements, while Villegas and Petecio were given P2 million each.

The Presidential Communications Office assured that all athletes, including those who were unable to attend the ceremony, would receive their rewards. “Walang pong maiiwan. Isa isa sila, meron. The athletes and the coaches should coordinate with the Philippine Sports Commission para mai-refer sila sa point person ng Office of the President para ma-claim,” De Vera assured.