Levi Jung-Ruivivar 'hurt' over missing homecoming events for Filipino Olympians

Levi Jung-Ruivivar broke her silence over her and her fellow gymnasts' absence during the homecoming events arranged for the Filipino athletes who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In an Instagram post, the 18-year-old Jung-Ruivivar revealed that she already had an idea of the heroes' parade in Manila and the Malacañang courtesy call with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. a week prior, sharing that she was informed by a fellow delegate.

But she said that she asked for information about the said events to Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion, but was told that event was only for the medalists.

The Philippines won four medals in the Paris Olympics: two gold medals from Carlos Yulo and one bronze each from boxers Netsthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.

However, 17 of the Philippines' 22-person delegation to Pairs were present during the meeting with Marcos on the night of their arrival on August 13, which was then followed by a parade in Manila led by Yulo, Petecio, and Villegas.

Only Jung-Ruivivar, her fellow gymnasts Emma Malabuyo and Aleah Finnegan as well as golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina missed out on the Malacañang event where Marcos handed out cash bonuses to the Olympians.

"I never received a response or any further information. And I still haven't had any communication about it," Jung-Ruivivar said.

"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."

Jung-Ruivivar admitted that missing the homecoming was painful, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"I was really hurt considering this was a once in a lifetime opportunity I missed out on. 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."

Finnegan and Malabuyo had previously both commented on social media that they were not informed of the events.

Carrion told GMA Integrated News in a text message that she herself did not know of the plans and would have wanted the gymnasts to be there.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News