Aleah Finnegan says representing the Philippines a 'dream come true'

For gymnast Aleah Finnegan, representing the Philippines in her sport is a dream come true.

The Filipino-American gymnast is residing in the United States where she also competes for Louisiana State University. 

A former member of the US national team, Finnegan recalled how she turned emotional when she won the gold medal for vault for the Philippines in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam. She was also part of the team event which claimed gold in the biennial meet.

"It was just one of those moments that you really just hold onto forever," Finnegan told JP Soriano in his 24 Oras report last April 18.

"Just being up there on the podium, watching the Filipino flag rise as the anthem plays... My mom was sitting there in the audience and I got to hug her and embrace her for a few minutes. I was crying, she was crying, we’re [a] very emotional family but I just felt so honored to be able to represent that flag."

"We’re all crying and it was so hard to explain the feeling of joy and satisfaction and pride and being able to finally have that Oh, I did it moment'," Finnegan added.

"It’s such a dream come true."

Now, Finnegan will join other athletes to represent the Philippines in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Philippines will also hold a training camp in France ahead of the Summer Games.

Aside from Finnegan, fellow gymnasts joining her in the Paris Games are Levi Ruivivar and Olympian Carlos Yulo, which she is a fan of.

"I remember fangirling the first time that I ever met him because I had seen him train and years before and he’s very talented and he’s very good," Finnegan said about Yulo.

As of writing, more than ten Filipino athletes, including Finnegan, Ruivivar, and Yulo, have booked their slots to the Paris Games.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News