By MARK REY MONTEJO
Paris Olympians Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo went back to their roots by imparting their knowledge through holding a gymnastics clinic on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) Gym in Intramuros, Manila.
Led by GAP chief Cynthia Carrion, Finnegan and Malabuyo shared their knowledge and skills to aspiring Filipino gymnasts including two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo’s younger siblings Elaiza and Eldrew.
“Our whole reason we come here in the Philippines is to have this clinic and I’m really thankful to GAP for allowing us to host in this facility and being able to showcase [our skills] and spend time we have more than 80 gymnasts here,” said Finnegan.
“And really get them starting in having a good foundation in gymnastics and hopefully, they continue even after we’re gone,” she added.
Levi Ruivivar, who also competed with Finnegan and Malabuyo in the women’s artistic gymnastics for Team PH, set up a clinic as well at the same venue two months ago with Yulo before they flew to Paris.
“We felt so much love and support, and being here in person also makes a difference too, so it’s something special to our hearts and we wanna give back,” said Malabuyo. “And we’re happy that we’re able to do that here.”
According to Finnegan, the program also wants to break barriers especially in sports, noting that people must celebrate how women thrive and become successful in their chosen field.
“We’re celebrating females and women in sports, we’re celebrating beauty with athleticism and providing strength, all these things combine to create something to celebrate,” said Finnegan, who made history after becoming the first Filipino female gymnast in 60 years to qualify for the Olympics. Ruivivar and Malabuyo earned berths soon after.
Although the Filipina trio didn’t reach the medal round in the all-around and final apparatus events, Finnegan and Malabuyo remain open for another Olympic stint in the 2028 Los Angeles edition.
“I don’t have too many plans, I’m going back to school in two weeks, and after I graduate I’ll take it one step at a time and it’s not a yes and it’s not a no,” said Finnegan.
“So we just kinda see where it takes me,” she added.
Meanwhile, Malabuyo also wants to take the similar approach like Finnegan as both gymnasts are going to the US to continue their studies.
