Paris-bound gymnasts Emma Malabuyo and Levi Ruivivar capped their 2024 Asian Gymnastics Union Senior Women’s Asian Championships campaigns with unforgettable performances on Sunday, May 26, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 

The 21-year-old Malabuyo had more fight to give and ultimately claimed the gold medal in the floor exercise following an outstanding score of 13.300, with her counterparts from China and Kazakhstan completing the podium. 

A few days prior, Malabuyo became the fourth Filipino gymnast to secure her spot to the Games after a podium finish in the individual all-around event of the tournament with a 50.398 total, which was already an impressive feat in itself.

But Malabuyo, who has only started representing the Philippines the past season, simply wanted more as she capped her Asian tilt campaign giving a clearer and promising picture of what to expect in her official Olympic debut. 

Another affirmation to the rise of gymnasts to the world stage, Ruivivar clinched a bronze medal in the uneven bars on the same day after racking up a total score of 13.100. 

This time, China finished at the top with Democratic People’s Republic of Korea securing the silver medal. 

Malabuyo and Ruivivar, who will be alongside fellow gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan in the roster, also join nine other Filipinos headed for Paris. 

Pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who became the first Filipino bet to book his ticket to the Games eventually had boxers Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas and Eumir Marcial, weightlifters John Ceniza, Vanessa Sarno and Elreen Ando, fencer Sam Catantan and rower Joanie Delgaco follow suit.