For backstage Olympics and behind-the-scenes scoop, follow these Team Philippines Olympians
This year’s Paris Olympics isn’t just a stage for athletic endeavors—it’s also definitely an opportunity for sports content. While the world is waiting for these athletes to shine on the beam, in the pool, in the court, and more, we get a firsthand glimpse of what goes on around the Olympic Village, all thanks to TikTok. Now, everyone from sports fanatics to those just enthusiastic about winning could get front-row seats to the action thanks to these Team Philippines Olympians on the platform.
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Aleah Finnegan
The Fil-Am gymnast is one of the first female Philippine gymnasts in 60 years to punch her Paris ticket. Her Olympic debut, alongside fellow Fil-Ams Emma Malabuyo and Levi Jung-Ruivivar, is a historic moment—as she well documents on her TikTok platform.
Hergie Bacyadan
The Filipino trans boxer is set for a momentous Olympic debut in Paris. But before that, he has been punching his way to TikTok to show the world some behind-the-scenes content. He vlogged his experience during the parade opening ceremonies, even asking his Filipino compatriots to do the trending “Eyyy” sign and catchphrase.
Samantha Catantan
While we wait for Samantha to wield the fencing sword, she takes a moment to show us some “Act your sport” Filipino Olympic athletes edition. Even the Filipino delegates not active on TikTok get their moment to shine, such as Jarod Hatch, Kayla Sanchez, John Cabang Tolentino, Carlo Paalam, and Elreen Ando.
Levi Jung-Ruivivar
The youngest of the 22-athlete Philippine delegation in Paris, Levi is proud to be donning the Philippine colors as she takes us backstage at the Olympics. Two days ago, she posted her experience in the Olympic Village emergency room due to an allergic reaction to nuts. Documenting the rest of the opening ceremonies, she calls this her, “best experience ever,” with a “LABAN PHILIPPINES” caption.
Emma Malabuyo
Another gymnast in our radar, Emma makes her Olympic debut with vlogs of her experiences around the Olympic Village, calling it “basically Disneyland”. In one video, she teaches fellow gymnast Aleah a TikTok dance to Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso. In the others, we follow her along her journey as a Team Philippines Olympian possibly sparking a Philippine gymnastics turnaround.
Photos and Featured Image: ALEAH FINNEGAN, HERGIE BACYADAN, SAMANTHA CATANTAN (Via Instagram)
