By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
American-born gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar announced her decision to don the national tri-colors in future international tournaments.
“I wanted to announce that moving forward in my gymnastics career, I will be competing for the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP),” Ruivivar posted on her Instagram account on Thursday, Sept. 7.
The 17-year-old Ruivivar, whose father Anthony is a Hawaiian-born Fil-American actor, is a former member of the United States juniors gymnastics team. She was the latest addition in the foreign-flavored PH team that included Fil-Ams Aleah Finnegan, Kylee Kvamme and Emma Lauren Malabuyo.
Finnegan and Kvamme already booked berths to the world championships in Antwerp, Belgium next month while Malabuyo is part of the crew that will compete in the 19th Asian Games also in late September.
GAP President Cynthia Carrion has yet to respond on Ruivivar’s chances to make it to the Asian Games, but there seems to be a glimmer of hope that the four-time national team member of the United States can be included in the said regional meet.
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is making an appeal to change the lineup though the deadline for submission of entry by name has already elapsed.
“I am so excited to get the opportunity to represent the Philippines internationally!” Ruivivar wrote.
“My poppie grew up in the Philippines before immigrating to the USA as a young adult… Growing up, Filipino culture has been a very important part of my life and I am beyond grateful to connect to my Filipino culture through my love for gymnastics,” she added.
