Philippine Gymnastics Considers Levi Ruivivar for Asian Games
Levi Jung-Ruivivar could soon return to the Philippine national team after the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines began seriously considering the Olympian for the country’s women’s artistic gymnastics squad at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The potential comeback represents more than another roster decision because it could reunite one of the program’s most accomplished athletes with a team pursuing a historic breakthrough on the continental stage.
The Asian Games remain one of the biggest opportunities for Philippine women’s artistic gymnastics to challenge Asia’s traditional powerhouses while continuing the momentum created by recent international successes. Adding an Olympian with proven experience could strengthen the team’s competitiveness while providing valuable leadership for a younger generation of national team gymnasts.
Carrion Sees Ruivivar as a Valuable Addition
Strengthening the Philippine lineup has become increasingly important as the federation prepares for one of the region’s most demanding multi-sport competitions. Building the strongest possible roster remains a priority because every routine could influence the country’s pursuit of its first Asian Games medal in women’s artistic gymnastics.
Paige Javier of ABS-CBN News reported that Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion-Norton continues evaluating Levi Ruivivar’s inclusion before finalizing the national team’s composition. Carrion believes the Olympian’s renewed commitment and consistent training make her a strong candidate to reinforce the Philippine squad in Japan.
Image from: ABS-CBN
Olympic Experience Could Strengthen the Team
Carrion explained that Ruivivar’s recent dedication has convinced her the gymnast deserves serious consideration for another opportunity to represent the Philippines. She also revealed that Ruivivar’s parents personally reached out to express their daughter’s determination to recommit herself to the national program.
“I’m considering. I’m still considering if Levi will be part of it, only one of the girls.”
“I feel like she will strengthen the team. You know, she’s been training hard. She has the passion now. I can feel that she really wants it.”
“The mother also told me and the father, they reached out to me and they said that they really, really feel that it’s her time. So let’s see.”
Injuries Create an Opportunity for Change
The federation has already identified several gymnasts expected to form the core of the Philippine women’s artistic gymnastics team heading into the Asian Games. Injuries to key athletes, however, have encouraged GAP officials to explore additional options capable of strengthening the overall lineup before competition begins.
Carrion emphasized that assembling the strongest available team outweighs individual considerations because the Asian Games demand consistency across every apparatus. Any decision regarding Ruivivar’s return will also involve discussions with federation officials and teammates responsible for maintaining a positive training environment.
Current Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Core
- Haylee Garcia
- Chiara Andrew
- Kylee Kvamme
- Lauren Supnet
- Aleah Finnegan (recovering from injury)
- Emma Malabuyo (recovering from injury)
Carrion stressed that selecting the final roster requires balancing competitive strength with team chemistry because every gymnast contributes to the program’s long-term success. She also confirmed that the federation’s leadership will carefully evaluate every option before finalizing the delegation for Aichi-Nagoya.
“We need a good team for Asian Games. So I feel like maybe we should consider her.”
“I have to convince the board to consider her as our fourth, fifth team member. Of course, I’ll also ask my team because they have to work together well.”
Reconciliation Opens the Door to a Fresh Start
Ruivivar’s potential return also reflects the progress both the gymnast and the federation have made since the aftermath of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Rebuilding trust has become just as important as evaluating competitive ability because national team success depends on unity, accountability, and shared commitment throughout the Olympic cycle.
Paige Javier of ABS-CBN News reported that Carrion-Norton considered Ruivivar’s apology an encouraging step toward repairing the relationship between both sides. The federation president emphasized that representing the Philippines remains a privilege accompanied by responsibilities extending beyond performances inside the competition arena.
Federation Welcomes a More Mature Perspective
Carrion revealed that Ruivivar removed her previous social media posts before sending a heartfelt apology letter that acknowledged the misunderstandings surrounding the controversy. She added that the federation’s board would carefully review the situation while considering both the athlete’s renewed commitment and the needs of the national program.
“She removed what she put online. So she’s very apologetic of what she’s done and she apologizes, apologizes.”
“She sent a very, very nice apology letter and I’m considering it and I’m going to call, talk to the board to see what they say about this letter.”
“Being a gymnast, it’s not a right, it’s a privilege to be a part of our team.”
“You have to be part of our rules and you have to follow our rules and we are a family.”
Ruivivar Accepts Responsibility and Looks Ahead
Ruivivar also addressed the controversy publicly, acknowledging that both she and her family could have handled the post-Olympic situation differently. Accepting responsibility marked an important step toward rebuilding confidence while reaffirming her commitment to representing the Philippines with greater maturity moving forward.
Her statement focused not only on apologizing for the misunderstanding but also on expressing appreciation for the federation officials who continue supporting Philippine gymnastics. That message reinforced her desire to move beyond the controversy and contribute positively should she earn another opportunity to wear the national colors.
Olympian Reaffirms Commitment to Philippine Gymnastics
Ruivivar accepted responsibility for the unintended impact of her earlier public statements while pledging to learn from the experience and move forward constructively. She also thanked the federation’s leadership and reaffirmed that representing the Philippines has always remained her greatest motivation.
“Looking back at the events following the 2024 Olympics, my family and I realize that we handled a complex situation poorly.”
“That statement inadvertently contributed to a negative narrative surrounding the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines.”
“It weighs heavily on my heart that my actions caused distress or cast a shadow over the federation.”
“I take accountability seriously… I deeply apologize to Ma’am Cynthia, Ms. Rowena, the GAP board and the entire community for the misunderstandings of the past.”
“My intent has only ever been to make my country proud.”
“I am deeply committed to learning from this experience, listening to the guidance of my leaders, and putting in the hard work necessary to move forward.”
Asian Games Offer a Historic Opportunity
The upcoming Asian Games provide another opportunity for Philippine women’s artistic gymnastics to measure its progress against Asia’s most accomplished programs. Although the competition features traditional regional powers, the Philippines continues narrowing the gap through stronger athlete development and increased international exposure.
An experienced Olympian such as Ruivivar could provide valuable composure during high-pressure routines while complementing an emerging group of talented young gymnasts. Every improvement in depth strengthens the country’s long-term ambition of capturing its first Asian Games medal in women’s artistic gymnastics.
Continental Competition Raises the Standard
The 20th Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where the Philippines hopes to continue its upward trajectory. A finalized roster featuring experienced leaders and promising young athletes could give the national team its strongest opportunity yet to challenge for a historic result.
Analytical Breakdown: Olympic Experience Adds Lasting Value
Representing a national team has always meant more to me than performing difficult routines or posting high scores. Trust, accountability, and professionalism become just as important because athletes, coaches, and federation officials rely on one another throughout every stage of an Olympic cycle. Ruivivar’s willingness to accept responsibility tells me she understands that wearing the national colors also means embracing those expectations.
What interests me most is the competitive value she could bring if her return becomes official. Olympic experience is difficult to replace because it develops composure, adaptability, and confidence against the world’s strongest gymnasts. Adding an athlete with that background could strengthen the Philippines’ chances at the Asian Games while providing valuable leadership for a developing women’s program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Levi Ruivivar returning to the Philippine national team?
Levi Ruivivar remains under consideration as the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines finalizes its women’s artistic gymnastics roster for the Asian Games.
Why is GAP considering her return?
The federation believes Ruivivar’s Olympic experience, renewed commitment, and improved relationship with GAP could strengthen the national team.
Why are Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo unavailable?
Both Olympians continue recovering from injuries, creating opportunities for adjustments to the Philippine women’s artistic gymnastics lineup.
When will the 2026 Asian Games take place?
The 20th Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
What could Ruivivar’s return mean for the Philippines?
Her return could add Olympic-level experience, strengthen squad depth, and improve the Philippines’ chances of achieving a historic result in women’s artistic gymnastics.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Explained PH.
