The Philippines’ Emma Malabuyo competes in the balance beam event of the artistic gymnastics women’s qualification during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris, on July 28, 2024. (Photo by Lionel BONAVENTURE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines—Emma Malabuyo kept her head high despite failing to advance in the women’s artistic gymnastics at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Malabuyo was still in high spirits after a valiant showing at Bercy Arena on Sunday night.
“I felt very content and calm about it. I’ve worked my whole entire life for this so I just enjoyed this moment, took it one thing at a time, trusted God and trusted the process,” said Malabuyo in a video interview with One Sports.
SCHEDULE: Team Philippines at Paris Olympics 2024
“I was pretty happy with the results but at the same time, I was like, ‘I know I can do a lot better than that.’ In fact, I think I’m more motivated and I feel that hunger and extra motivation.”
Malabuyo was 41st in the overall leaderboard following a total score of 51.099 points in Subdivision 3. Levi Jung-Ruivivar finished at No. 40. Only the Top 24 advanced to the all-around final.
Malabuyo had her best outing in floor exercise where she tallied 13.100 points to finish 25th in the event. Only the top eight qualified for the final.
READ: Paris Olympics: Finnegan, Malabuyo, Ruivivar keep slim chances alive
The UCLA product was way behind in the balance beam and uneven bars at No. 57 and 60, respectively.
“When I walked out and before I even competed in an event, I was already getting teary-eyed.”
“Seeing my family and the Philippine flag all over the arena, it’s no other feeling. It felt very special in such a wonderful moment but i’m just so thankful and grateful to be here.”