Fil-Am gymnast joins PH national team: ‘It fills me with so much pride’

Photo from levi.jr_gymnast/Instagram

In a remarkable move that’s set to energize Philippine gymnastics, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, a talented Filipino-American gymnast, has decided to switch teams. After representing the United States for several years, she’s now gearing up to proudly compete for the Philippines.

The 17-year-old gymnastics sensation shared her decision on Instagram, expressing her excitement about this new chapter in her athletic journey. In her post, she explained her heartfelt choice and her aspirations to join the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP).

“Growing up, Filipino culture has been a very important part of my life and I am beyond grateful to connect to my Filipino culture through my love of gymnastics,” she wrote.

Fil-Am Levi Jung-Ruivivar will now represent the Philippines in international gymnastics competitions | Photo from levi.jr_gymnast

This switch presents an exciting opportunity for Jung-Ruivivar to represent her ancestral homeland on the global gymnastics stage, including at the upcoming Asian Games in China.

Jung-Ruivivai’s journey back to the Philippines is also a reconnection with her roots, as her father Anthony has a strong Filipino heritage, having grown up in the Philippines before moving to the United States as a young adult. Her decision adds depth to the growing Philippine gymnastics scene and brings her into a group of talented Filipino-American gymnasts, including Aleah Finnegan, Kylee Kvamme, and Emma Lauren Malabuyo.

Finnegan and Kvamme are set to represent the Philippines in the upcoming world championships in Antwerp, Belgium, while Malabuyo is also gearing up for the 19th Asian Games in late September.

Jung-Ruivivar’s decision marks a significant moment in her career and promises an exciting future for Philippine gymnastics as she prepares to showcase her skills on the global stage while proudly representing the Philippines.