No lessons wasted for Filipina gymnast Aleah Finnegan following her debut in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics last month. 

The 21-year-old Finnegan is taking some time to reflect on what was a grueling year that saw her passionately and diligently dedicate all her energy and efforts to her Olympics campaign.

Finnegan became one of the first three female gymnasts from the Philippines to make their debut at the Olympics along with Emma Malabuyo and Levi Jung-Ruivivar as they all competed in the women’s artistic gymnastics. 

Though short of the same accomplishment that wonder boy Carlos Yulo brought home with his double gold medals, Finnegan, though disappointed, was equally proud of herself for making the opportunity worthwhile. 

“I think overall, I’m very proud of myself for getting one shot at gymnastics. I can’t necessarily say that I’m satisfied with how I did, the competitor in me always says that,” said Finnegan who was tapped by the Meralco Bolts as a muse in the opening of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Sunday night, Aug. 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.  

“There’s a sense of disappointment after something that you’ve worked so hard for doesn’t work out in your favor,” she added. 

After a week-long celebration at home that doesn’t seem to be winding down soon, Finnegan has opted to make the Olympics her final and also the biggest competition of the year before she resumes duties with her NCAA Division I school Louisiana State University next week – making her visit to celebrate with the Filipinos all the more special. 

Along with her fellow FIlipino Olympians including bronze medalists boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, Finnegan was honored by the PBA and everyone in attendance ahead of the curtain raiser. 

“I’ve competed in almost 15 competitions this year. Having my last competition be the Olympics for the rest of the year, I’m just gonna celebrate that accomplishment before we head into the next season,” Finnegan said. 

"I haven’t [experienced this]. This is my first time experiencing something like this. It was such a pleasure [to be Meralco's muse] and even standing next to the other girls who were on the stage as well. Just being in the same environment, this is the definition of Filipino culture. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to be here," she added. 

Being back home, Finnegan is looking forward to making the rest of her stay productive until she has to leave on Friday as she has recently conducted a two-day training clinic with Malabuyo in Intramuros. 

There, Finnegan hopes to build something meaningful for other young up-and-coming gymnasts and give back for all the support she's been surrounded by since switching her teams from the United States to the Philippines in 2022.

"The moment I started competing for the Philippines, I felt overwhelmed by a lot of support from the Filipinos not only in the States but in every country I get the opportunity to compete in, they’re always there supporting. It’s really such a dream come true," she said. 

"We got to work with some young gymnasts and hopefully set up Team Philippines for the future gymnasts. We have a few more meetings here and there, and hopefully I get to go to the beach at some point before I head back to the States on Friday," she added.