By MARK REY MONTEJO
Paris Olympian Aleah Finnegan resumed her winning ways after leading Louisiana State University (LSU) to a thrilling win over Florida, 197.550-197.450, in the recent US NCAA Southeast Conference artistic gymnastics opener.
Performing in front of 13,515-strong fans at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Missouri, the 22-year-old Finnegan impressed with her power and grace to notch 9.95 points and snare her third straight title in floor exercise.
Finnegan, who was part of LSU’s 2024 NCAA’s Gymnastics National Champions, also shared the top honor with Florida’s Selena Harris-Miranda as the two gymnasts tied with 39.500 points in the event.
Finnegan’s dazzling performance bodes well to her preparations for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Thailand this December where she is touted as one of the favorites.
The LSU standout is already a proud winner of two gold medals and the same number of silver. She also has one gold in the Pan American and two bronzes in Asian Championships.
Last year, the Missouri native alongside teammates Emma Malabuyo, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, and Carlos Yulo took part in the Paris Games that saw the rise of Yulo as global superstar after his two-gold feat.
Finnegan improved her winning record in floor (14), vault (4), and all-around (5) while LSU continued its streak against Florida.
Coming up for Finnegan and LSU are the Arkansas Razorbacks Friday, Jan. 24 (Saturday, Jan. 25, Manila time).
