With Paris Olympics stint, Aleah Finnegan gets dream come true

Aleah Finnegan, of Philippines, competes on the uneven bars during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the Paris Olympics 2024, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

MANILA, Philippines —  Despite the early exit, Team Philippines’ gymnast Aleah Finnegan still fulfilled a long-time dream of competing in the Olympics.

She was one of three female gymnasts to see action for the Philippines in the Summer Games for the first time in six decades.

“Forever an Olympian,” Finnegan wrote on Instagram. “I can’t even begin to describe how much this competition has meant to me and my family. From dreaming about the Olympics since I was a little girl, to finally being out on the floor. Thank you Jesus for this crazy journey I get to call my life.”

Finnegan debuted in style with fellow Team Philippines gymnasts Levi Jung-Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo but the trio didn’t make it to the final of women’s artistic gymnastics in all-around and four apparatuses.

She placed 47th with 50.498 points in the all-around competition, while Ruivivar and Malabuyo totaled 51.099 points each and finished 40th and 41st, respectively.

Only the top 24 in the all-around and top eight in each apparatus – with a maximum of two gymnasts per country – made it to the medal round.

The Louisiana State University standout was the best Filipino in the vault with 13.387 points for 17th place. She tallied 12.733 in floor exercise (37th), 12.566 in uneven bars (58th), and 11.466 in balance beam (71st).

Finnegan, who started representing the Philippines in 2022 after being part of the United States gymnastics team, also thanked GAP and the POC for paving the way for her stint.

“Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent this beautiful country and accepting me with open arms. I am honored to wear this flag on my chest,” she added.