Filipino-American gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar expressed her joy after she was informed about the invitation sent to her by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
In her post, Levi was thankful that she would be invited to the Palace, saying that it was one of her dreams.
“Heading to Manila to meet the President! What an honor. Thank you to the president and his office for making this dream come true. Can’t wait to see everyone,” she said.
Several days before the invitation, Levi posted a statement to air her disappointment for not being invited to the Heroes’ Welcome held at Malacanang.
Aside from Levi, gymnasts Emma Malabuyo and Aleah Finnegan were also not informed about the event.
“I was really hurt considering this was a once in a lifetime opportunity I missed out on. I wanted to be part of the celebration with my fellow Olympians and to share in the excitement of the success of this Olympics with my country, the Philippines. I truly wish I could have gone considering I have sacrificed endelessly to perform for my country and to make everyone proud,” she wrote.
The Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion also reportedly told Levi that the event was exclusively for Olympic medalist athletes.
