Gymnast Jung-Ruivivar inspired by his visit to Manila

During her brief visit to Manila, gymnast LeVi Jung-Ruivivar, 18, was inspired by the sights and sounds of the city. Her trip, filled with meaningful encounters, left a lasting impression on her as she prepares to return to the United States.

Jung-Ruivivar visited the offices of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on Wednesday and met with enthusiastic young gymnasts at the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) training center in Intramuros on Thursday.

These experiences provided her with memorable moments to cherish as she returned to the United States to continue her education.

“It was amazing to visit the PSC and meet the kids,” Jung-Ruivivar, who was still battling jet lag, said in an interview with the Manila Standard.

The next day, after meeting with PSC President Richard Bachmann and touring the gymnastics center, Jung-Ruivivar met with House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

During their discussion, she shared her experiences at the Asian Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Uzbekistan, where she won a bronze medal on the uneven bars, and her previous qualification for the Paris Olympics in Doha.

Just a week before her 18th birthday, Jung-Ruivivar won a silver medal in the women’s uneven bars, qualifying for the Paris Olympics in the fourth and final stage of the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup series 2024.

“She’s looking for inspiration. She spoke to the kids who train here. She is looking for inspiration,” said GAP President Cynthia Carrion after welcoming Jung-Ruivivar and Carlos Yulo after their stay in Uzbekistan.

Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino also welcomed the two gymnasts.

Jung-Ruivivar and Yulo are among four Filipino gymnasts qualified for the Paris Games, alongside Aleah Malabuyo, who recently earned her spot following her performance in Uzbekistan.

After her time with Romualdez, Jung-Ruivivar took an early flight back to the United States, heading to South Texas to continue her training and refine her routines at the Dallas Gymnastics Training Center.