Gymnast Levi Jung Ruivivar has broken her silence regarding her absence from the heroes' homecoming parade, along with fellow gymnasts Emma Malabuyo and Aleah Finnegan, following their appearance at the recent 2024 Paris Olympics.
"I truly wish from the bottom of my heart that I could have attended and been part of this event, but unfortunately I was never informed that I was invited or presented with the opportunity to go," Ruivivar said in her statement via Instagram on Monday.
Ruivivar included a screenshot of her WhatsApp conversation with Cynthia Carrion, the president of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, inquiring about the event with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
She messaged Carrion on August 7, stating that she had heard about an upcoming event to meet with the President and asked for details about the event.
The next day, she received a response stating that the event was only intended for medalists, Carlos Yulo, Aira Villegas, and Nesthy Petecio.
"I responded inquiring if that was in fact correct because I had heard all Olympians were invited," said Ruivivar.
After the exchange of words, she did not receive any further response or additional information.
The following week, she was surprised to see all the Filipino Olympians, except for herself, Aleah, and Emma, participating in a meeting with President Bongbong Marcos and taking part in a parade in Manila.
"I was really hurt considering this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I missed out on," Ruivivar said.
"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," she added.
She truly wished she could have attended, given the endless sacrifices she had made to perform for her country and make everyone proud.
Ruivivar mentioned that she had no current obligations in the States before heading to Stanford in early September, citing that nothing is hindering her from attending the event.
In closing, the Filipina gymnast expressed her gratitude to everyone for their support, and love, and for fostering Pinoy pride.
"I am truly excited to continue competing for the Philippines, and I look forward to taking every opportunity to come to the Philippines and hopefully inspire the new generation of Filipina gymnasts that are the future," she said.
On August 13, the Filipino Olympians returned to the country, where they were welcomed at Villamor Air Base and then proceeded to Malacañang Palace to be greeted by President Marcos and the First Family.
A program was held to honor the athletes who represented the Philippines at the recently concluded Summer Olympics, where they were awarded with cash incentives.
On August 14, Yulo, together with his fellow Olympians, participated in the heroes' grand parade that traversed several areas in Pasay and Manila as part of giving honor to the country's representatives.
