Paris Olympians Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo went back to their roots by imparting their knowledge through holding a gymnastics clinic on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) Gym in Intramuros, Manila. Led by GAP chief Cynthia Carrion, Finnegan and Malabuyo shared their knowledge and skills to aspiring Filipino gymnasts including two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo’s younger siblings Elaiza and Eldrew.
“Our whole reason we come here in the Philippines is to have this clinic and I’m really thankful to GAP for allowing us to host in this facility and being able to showcase [our skills] and spend time we have more than 80 gymnasts here,” said Finnegan. “And really get them starting in having a good foundation in gymnastics and hopefully, they continue even after we’re gone,” she added. Levi Ruivivar, who also competed with Finnegan and Malabuyo in the women’s artistic gymnastics for Team PH, set up a clinic as well at the same venue two months ago with Yulo before they flew to Paris.
“We felt so much love and support, and being here in person also makes a difference too, so it’s something special to our hearts and we wanna give back,” said Malabuyo. “And we’re happy that we’re able to do that here.” According to Finnegan, the program also wants to break barriers especially in sports, noting that people must celebrate how women thrive and become successful in their chosen field.
“We’re celebrating f.