Gymnast Levi Ruivivar, may pahayag ukol sa absence niya sa PH Olympians homecoming

- Levi Ruivivar, one of the country's bets in women's artistic gymnastics at the Paris Olympics, created a huge buzz on social media

- This was after she posted a statement on the reason why she was not present at the homecoming for the Filipino Olympians

- Ruivivar, who wished that she could have attended the event, claimed she was never informed of being invited

- The Olympian said she was really hurt that she missed the once in a lifetime opportunity

Levi Ruivivar, one of the country's bets in women's artistic gymnastics at the 2024 Paris Olympics, took to social media and posted a statement on her absence at the homecoming for the Filipino Olympians.

In her lengthy statement, the Filipina-American gymnast lamented missing out on the event and claimed that she was never informed.

"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."

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She then narrated, "I heard from a member of the Olympic delegation that some sort of event was taking place in Manila to meet the President. On August 7th, I sent a WhatsApp text message to my NSA head (see next slide) stating that I had heard that there was an upcoming event to meet President Bongbong Marcos and I asked what the event entailed."

Ruivivar also revealed receiving a message from Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion, whom she asked about the details of the event. 

"On August 8th, I received a message stating that it was only for medalists Carlos and the two bronze medalists, the boxers. I responded inquiring if that was in fact, correct because I never received a response or any further information."

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She went on and expressed, "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."

It is worth noting that pole vaulter EJ Obiena, weightlifter Vanessa Sarno and boxer Eumir Marcial were also not present due to prior commitments.

The gymnast emotionally opened up, "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 the Olympics with my country, the Philippines. I truly wish I could have gone considering I sacrificed endlessly to perform for my country and to make everyone proud."

Ruivivar, who formerly represented the United States of America in competitions, clarified that she had no obligations in the US and that nothing prohibited her from attending the parade and dinner in Malacañang.

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Read her full statement below:

Olympic Games is quadrennial multi-sport festival often regarded as the world's foremost sports competition. The most recent Olympic Games took place in Paris, France.

Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo secured two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He won two the medals in gymnastics' men's floor exercise and men's vault.

Pres. Bongbong Marcos has given orders for each Olympian to receive P2 million each. The monetary award will be given to all athletes, regardless of whether they have a medal or not. Right then and there, the President gave each of the athletes their P1 million from the Office of the President. The other P1 million per athlete would come from PAGCOR.

Source: KAMI.com.gh