Olympian Levi Jung-Ruivivar became an “Ate” figure to 12-year-old Avielle Caballes and other young gymnasts in Carmona, Cavite, inspiring them to chase their own Olympic dreams.
For young gymnasts chasing big dreams, sometimes inspiration comes in the form of an “ate” who has already walked the path.
That was the role Olympic gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar embraced when she shared her journey and confidence-building lessons with aspiring athletes at the PGAA S. Ty Gym in Las Piñas.
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Among those who looked up to her was 12-year-old Avielle Caballes, who has been training since she was five. Meeting Ruivivar gave her not just technical tips, but also the encouragement to believe in her potential.
PHOTO: RM Chua/One Sports
“Mahalaga po siya sa amin kasi natututo po kami sa mga tips na ibinibigay po niya para maka-compete at maayos ‘yong skills na nahihirapan kami,” Avielle said.
“Na-excite din po ako kasi pwede niya po akong matulungan sa mga skills ko na nagagawa na pero hindi pa rin masyadong maayos. Excited po ako and happy.”
Her mother, Giselle Paduit, said gymnastics started out as play for her daughter before becoming a serious passion. Education remains the top priority, but she hopes her daughter will be free to pursue the sport as far as it can take her.
“Kung gusto niyang ipagpatuloy ‘yong gymnastics, hanggang SEA Games, hanggang Olympics, much better po sa kanya,” she said.
Avielle’s next step is the 10th S.Ty International Gymnastics tournament (Level 7) this October, but seeing Ruivivar up close has already planted the seed of what’s possible.
PHOTO: RM Chua/One Sports
For Ruivivar, who began tumbling as a toddler before rising to the Olympic stage, the clinic was her way of giving back.
“I hope I inspire them to pursue their sports in a way as individuals themselves and allow them to express themselves,” she said. “Be confident on their own selves. And that they go to that high level in a way that feels right to them.”
As Philippine gymnastics builds toward a brighter future, young athletes like Avielle now see the sport not just as a pastime, but as a path—one made clearer by an “Ate Levi” who shows them that the Olympic dream can be theirs, too.
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