'I was hurt': Levi Jung Ruivivar says she was never informed of homecoming event
At A Glance
- Gymnast Levi Jung Ruivivar set the record straight on her absence from the Malacanang event that saw her fellow Paris Olympians savoring the warm reception of the Filipinos back home.
Gymnast Levi Jung Ruivivar set the record straight on her absence from the Malacanang event that saw her fellow Paris Olympians savoring the warm reception of the Filipinos back home.

In a lengthy Instagram post, the 18-year-old Ruivivar said she wasn't informed of the event which was arranged to welcome the national athletes at the Villamor Air Base and bring them to Malacanang for a gathering with President Ferdinand Marcos.
The athletes then took part in a homecoming parade that was witnessed by thousands along the streets of Manila.
“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 wrote.
She texted Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion on Aug. 7 and clarified the information but the latter replied that only two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo and bronze winners boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas were invited.
To her surprise, fellow gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo were also not informed.
“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 this Olympics with my country, the Philippines,” Ruivivar continued.
“I truly wish I could have gone considering I have sacrificed endlessly to perform for my country and to make everyone proud.”