Fil-Am gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar had no choice but to defend herself after the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion called them ‘liars.’
It can be recalled that Levi, together with other Philippine representatives, Emma Malabuyo and Aleah Finnegan, were absent during the Heroes’ Welcome organized by Malacanang for the Filipino athletes who joined the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Emma and Aleah claimed they were not informed about the event, where non-medal athletes like them were given P1-M.
However, Carrion insisted that she had no reason to invite the three because they were not in the Philippines at that time.
However, the chat history between Levi and Carrion tells a different story.
In the conversation, Levi could be seen asking Carrion about the event, but the official told her only the athletes who received a medal during the Olympics were invited.
However, Levi was surprised when she watched the actual event, realizing that all the athletes were there except her, Emma, and Aleah.
“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.
As of writing, Carrion who admitted that she was too busy taking care of two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, has yet to give a response to Levi.
