MANILA, Philippines – Not all Filipino athletes who joined in the 2024 Paris Olympics were seen in the Heroes' Parade for Filipino Olympians on Wednesday, August 14.
One of them is gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar who was not included in the grand parade that was held in the streets of Manila.
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| Photo courtesy: Levi Jung-Ruivivar (Instagram), PNA/Avito Dalan |
Jung-Ruivivar released a statement on Monday, August 19, explaining her side on why she and other gymnasts are no show in the said parade.
In her latest Instagram post, Jung-Ruivivar disclosed that she's ready to attend but the thing is she's not invited.
“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,” the gymnast said.
In fact, the gymnast asked questions after hearing that there was going to be a grand parade on the streets of Manila. But instead of getting an invitation, Jung-Ruivivar got no response regarding the prepared parade for Filipino athletes.
Aside from Jung-Ruivivar, other gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo were also not invited from the parade.
Jung-Ruivivar admits that she's hurt that she's not invited or even informed in the parade.
“I was really hurt considering this was a once in a lifetime opportunity I missed out on.” she said.
But even though she was hurt, Jung-Ruivivar's good heart prevailed because she announced that she is still ready to represent the Philippines.
It can be remembered that apart from the prepared parade, the Filipino athletes who participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics will receive P1 million from the government.
In total, the Philippines sent a total of 22 athletes in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Carlos Yulo, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas are the athletes who are successful to grab a medal.
Yulo clinched a double gold in men's gymnastics while Petecio and Villegas both snatched a bronze medal in women's boxing.
— Carl Santiago, The Summit Express
