At only 18 years old, Levi Jung-Ruivivar is making her Olympic dreams come true.
When Filipina-American gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar found out that she had qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, she was ecstatic.
“My heart quite literally was jumping around,” she tells The GAME. “I felt like I had butterflies in my stomach because I was so nervous, and the adrenaline was just pumping through my veins.”
This was, indeed, a special moment that called for a heart-jumping reaction. Not only did she accomplish the rare feat of qualifying for the Olympics, but she is also only 18 years old, making her the Philippines’ youngest Olympian headed for Paris.
She could hardly believe it.
But don’t let her age fool you. Just because she is the youngest does not mean she is simply happy to have qualified. She would tell you herself, “[To] compete at my absolute best so that I can represent the Philippines in a good light is my ultimate goal.”
Here are three things you should know about the young talent.
She started young…like, really young
When Levi Jung-Ruivivar told The GAME, “I could not fathom that I made the Olympics because it’s been a dream of mine since I was a baby,” she was not exaggerating; she actually did start gymnastics within the window where most kids learn to walk.
“I was 18 months old when I started gymnastics,” she recalls. “I don’t remember my first competition because I was so young, but I do remember standing on the podium and getting little ribbons because I placed.”
Although she doesn’t recall her first one, Levi has competed in many competitions since then.
The Filipina-American began her Junior Gymnastics Career in 2018, when she was only 12 years old, and quickly rose the ranks. She won medals in major competitions, such as the WOGA Classic and the Winter Cup, where she won a silver and gold medal, respectively.
From then on, she has always been a fierce competitor on the map. Moving up to her Senior Career, she quickly proved her place among other elite gymnasts, competing in the US Classic and the US Championships, and even earning medals in the Doha World Cup — where she earned her Olympic berth — and the Asian Championships.
She may only be 18 years old, but she has already gotten used to the taste of podium finishes in world-class events. Yet, she still remains grounded, always reflecting upon the first time she ever won awards as an athlete.
She says, “Reflecting on that, when I stand on the podium now, I still get that excitement and that joy and respect for the sport now.”
The Olympics is bringing her closer to her heritage
Levi-Jung Ruivivar was born in the United States to two actors (it’s no wonder why she is a natural at performing in the spotlight). Her father is of Filipino descent, which is what tied Levi to the Philippines, and what ultimately led to her decision to represent the Philippines in her international career.
Levi herself has admitted that she still has yet to see more of the Philippines and to connect to her heritage, having spent her entire life in the United States. But, having qualified for the Olympics carrying the Philippine flag, this has already brought her so much closer to her heritage.
“This is my first time in the Philippines and I have to say, it’s definitely my favorite place that I’ve traveled to,” she shared during a trip to Manila while preparing for the Olympics.
“I just feel at home being in the Philippines, being around the community. Everyone is so generous, so nice. I do have to say there’s something very special about the Filipino community — how welcoming everyone is, and they’re really hard workers, they’re kind, everyone feels like a family and a community that I connect to, so it’s been amazing.”
What she’s most excited for
The Olympics is a dream come true for Levi. Having started the sport at 18 months, this is a culmination of her hard work so far, and she is excited to soak it all in.
“I’m most excited to be competing and meeting top athletes from all over the world, so just being around other elite amazing athletes and getting to meet them,” she said, radiating her bright-eyed enthusiasm.
But as her competitive career suggests, Levi is not going to simply carry the flag. She is going to compete to the best of her abilities to give the Philippines a debut worth remembering.
“[I’m most excited to] do as much as I can to represent the Philippines and continue to promote the Philippines in the best way that I can,” she said. “Just being in Paris, competing on an international stage, and doing my gymnastics is just amazing.”
Levi recognizes that being a youngster at the Olympics is not an easy feat to achieve. It took her years of hard work and dedication to her sport to make it this far. But, because she has done it, she knows that it is possible for other young dreamers, too.
“To younger athletes trying to make the Olympics, just always keep pursuing your goals. It’s difficult, there’s going to be easy days, there’s going to be hard days, but if it’s really something that’s coming from your hearts, and if it’s coming from you, you will be able to achieve it.
“So never give up, keep pursuing your dreams, and just follow what your heart tells you.”
Banner image from Levi Jung-Ruivivar on Instagram.
Related Stories:
6 Filipina Athletes Who Are Making Their Olympic Debuts in Big Ways
Get To Know Emma Malabuyo: The Philippines’ New Gymnastics Talent
EJ Obiena: On Wearing the Flag and the Olympic Dream