Fil-Am Olympian Levi Jung-Ruivivar eyes SEA Games, Asian Championships
Levi Jung-Ruivivar is gearing up for the SEA Games. Image: levijungruivivar/Instagram
The upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games season promises to be an exciting one for the Philippines, with several Filipino Olympians from the Paris Olympics, including Filipino Canadian swimmer Kayla Sanchez, aiming to represent the country.
Among them is Filipino American gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar, who is already setting her sights on competing in both the SEA Games and the Asian Championships.
At just 18 years old, Jung-Ruivivar was the youngest member of the Philippine delegation at this year’s Olympics and she is determined to build on her achievements and continue growing as an athlete and an individual.
Currently in the Philippines, Jung-Ruivivar reflected on her Olympic debut, describing it as a transformative journey filled with valuable lessons.
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“It was just a crazy experience,” she shared in an interview with One News’ The Big Story. “I’ve learned so much. There were a lot of ups and downs, and once I got to the Olympics, there were even more ups and downs… It was a whole experience for myself.”
As she looks ahead to the next chapter of her athletic career, Jung-Ruivivar is also preparing for her academic future, with plans to begin her studies at Stanford University this fall.
Balancing the demands of college life with elite gymnastics training, she remains focused on her goal of representing the Philippines in the SEA Games and the Asian Championships.
“There’s a lot coming up, so many things to do in the next four years before LA 2028,” she said. “Adjusting to college life and competing for my college is very exciting. In addition to that, being able to train at an elite level so that I can compete in the SEA Games and the Asian Championships—those are the two goals right now. I’m really hopeful to continue maturing as an athlete and as a person, and hopefully bring home some gold medals for the Philippines.”
In Paris, Jung-Ruivivar joined fellow Filipino American gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo in breaking a six-decade drought for Filipino gymnasts at the Olympic Games.
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