Aleah Finnegan’s Paris Olympic debut was a triumph of the improbable. Here’s why her Olympic dream almost didn’t happen
Aleah Finnegan was part of the cadre of historic athletes who claimed an Olympic spot for the Philippines. But getting there was no cakewalk—at the crucial junctures of Finnegan’s career, she considered walking away from the sport numerous times. But she vaulted to great heights on the Paris stage, a dream reignited by her roots and her mother’s home country. So making it to the Olympics was a triumph of the improbable for the Filipina athlete—here’s why it almost didn’t happen.
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A Twist of Fate
Finnegan’s Olympic debut in Paris is forever marked with the iconic five rings of the Olympics on her arm. But her debut almost did not happen. Though her illustrious career was backed by numerous achievements, the athlete’s Olympic fate hung in balance after failing to qualify for Tokyo. In 2021, Finnegan retired from elite gymnastics, deciding to instead focus on her college career at Louisiana State University.
But then when her mother asked if she was willing to represent the Philippines, Finnegan considered the opportunity. She suited up for the country, qualified with a stellar performance in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, and was Paris-bound.
“Each time I represent the Philippines, I really take it as an opportunity to represent my mom,” Finnegan tells MEGA Active. “To thank her, in a way, for all of her support and hard work. I think I cried so much during the trip because the Olympics is something that my family holds near and dear to our hearts. It was such an honor to wear these colors and wear the Filipino flag on my chest, especially on the world’s highest stage. It’s something I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.”
The Dream That Sets the Bar
Fueled by passion and perseverance, Finnegan went head to head with the likes of Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and Rebeca Andrade. Despite not making it to the finals, she walked out of the Paris chalk-dusted arena with an unexpected victory: having her dream renewed.
“Gymnastics is a very demanding sport. It requires a lot of sacrifices, and there have definitely been times growing up where I wished I was a ‘normal’ kid,” she laughs. “I don’t have any regrets; I’m just thankful I was able to see the end goal and finally attain it.”
Arriving at that end goal, for Finnegan, was a ride she enjoyed despite the path being paved by immense challenges. “Dreams will require you to face heartbreak, setbacks, or mental blocks—but falling in love with the sport, remaining disciplined, and enjoying the journey is what mattered;. In my experience, God’s plan is better than anything I thought or imagined.”
Finnegan had an early exit at the Paris Games, but she embodied what the founder of the Modern Olympics, Baron de Coubertin, described as the Olympic ideal: it’s not about winning, but taking part. It’s not about conquering, but fighting well.
Finnegan did that alongside fellow gymnasts Emma Malabuyo and Levi Jung-Ruivivar. “When you go through something as historical as this with someone, I think you really form a bond. We’ve grown so close. We’ve supported each other through so much and I was so thankful to have them there with me. It’s not easy doing this sport—let alone doing it by yourself—so I’m glad that I had them there with me. They are extraordinary athletes, and it was an honor to share this experience with them,” Finnegan declares.
Jung-Ruivivar, in a short online interview with MEGA Active, adds, “We were hopeful that we could show that not only can the Philippines bring a team to the Olympics, but also that we could be competitive there. But outside the competition, I’m so blessed the three of us got to go through this together and make history together.”
A Balancing Act
Much like Malabuyo, Aleah Finnegan has found her balance after her Olympic stint. “It’s hard making sure you have time to be 21 years while going to practice, while being a full-time student, while making time for yourself. But I’m thankful for the community around me that allows me to fully be myself while being able to chase my dreams.”
For Finnegan, including the 2028 LA Olympics in those dreams is too soon to tell, as she is still “celebrating 2024.” For now, the rest of her future hangs in the balance: “We’ll just have to see what the future holds. This year though, I’m looking forward to graduating university with a degree in Business Marketing this spring.”
