By MARK REY MONTEJO
As part of the celebration for the Philippine athletes who competed at Paris Olympics, Meralco named gymnast Aleah Finnegan as its muse in the PBA Governors’ Cup opener Sunday, Aug. 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 21-year-Finnegan, who donned the National colors at the glitzy French city with teammates Emma Malabuyo and Levi Jung-Ruivivar in the women’s artistics gymnastics, will display her captivating beauty in front of many Filipino fans.
“Olympic gymnast Aleah Finnegan is Meralco Bolts’ Muse for the 2024 PBA Season,” Meralco wrote in its social media post. “Celebrating the strength and energy of Filipino athletes, the Meralco Bolts are thrilled to announce Aleah Finnegan as the team’s muse for the 2024-25 PBA Season.”
After securing her Paris ticket last October, Finnegan became the first Filipina gymnast to enter in the quadrennial meet since Evely Magluyan and Maria Luisa Floro qualified in the 1964 Tokyo Games.
However, the Louisiana State University dazzled in Paris despite finishing at 47th place, falling short in the cut for the next round.
“As we gear up for another exciting PBA season, we are honored to celebrate the achievements of Filipino athletes like Aleah Finnegan,” the post added.
“Her journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the relentless spirit that drives us all. The Meralco Bolts look forward to standing alongside Aleah as we continue to electrify the court and inspire our fans.”
The Fil-American acrobat bagged myriad accolades in her young career including two-gold haul in SEA Games and US NCAA Championships.
“Finnegan proudly represented the Philippines at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is a two-time SEA Games gold medalist.”
Starting the hype for PBA Season 49, is a battle between the Bolts and the Magnolia Hotshots Chicken Timplados at their 7:30 p.m.
