Levi Ruivivar hopes to inspire young gymnasts in Manila visit

Paris-bound gymnast Levi Ruivivar visited Manila recently after bagging the bronze medal in the uneven bars event of the Asian Gymnastics Championships.

On Thursday, the Filipino-American gymnast visited the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines' facility in Intramuros and interacted with young girls as she gave some of her old uniforms to them.

"That's one of the main reasons why I came to the Philippines. I wanted to connect with younger generations of athletes, especially the younger Filipina athletes in gymnastics. I gave them some of my old leotards that I used to train in when I was a lot younger," Ruivivar said.

"I hope that whenever they wear those leos, they will remember why they are doing the sport and find the love that I found in the sport and still find in the sport. I'm hoping to inspire them."

Ruivivar added she also wants to return to the country in the future and coach young kids some technical skills in gymnastics.

With the Paris Olympics just weeks ahead, the 18-year old gymnast said she is grateful for the support she has been receiving from the Filipino community. 

"I'm so grateful and it really does give me an extra boost and inspiration and energy to go back home when there are days that I feel tired or sore or unmotivated, I think of these moments on how much people are believing in me so I can return that by working hard in training."

Ruivivar is one of the gymnasts who will represent the Philippines in the upcoming Paris Olympics, including Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, and Emma Malabuyo.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News