Driven by the rise of Carlos Yulo, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Aleah Finnegan, and Emma Malabuyo, gymnastics is finding new momentum in the Philippines.
For years, gymnastics in the Philippines was seen as a fringe activity—something children did for recreation, not a sport that could lead to international success.
Today, that perception is changing.
With the rise of Carlos Yulo, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Aleah Finnegan, and Emma Malabuyo, gymnastics has evolved from a little-known discipline into one of the country’s fastest-growing Olympic sports.
“Before, extra activity lang ang gymnastics. Ngayon, madami nang nafo-focus sa gymnastics. Unlike before kasi we have gymnastics pero hindi pa ganun kalaki ‘yong community,” said Coach Ace Lim, a former national team member (2013–2016) and now a coach at PGAA S.Ty Gym in Carmona, Cavite.
A Turning Point in Carmona
That transformation was evident during Levi Jung-Ruivivar’s recent clinic in Carmona, Cavite. The Paris 2024 Olympian drew dozens of young gymnasts eager to learn from her, signaling how far the sport has come in terms of reach and relevance.
[ALSO READ: Olympian Levi Jung-Ruivivar hosts grassroots gymnastics workshop in Cavite]
Levi Jung Ruvivivar's clinic in Carmona, Cavite. Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
For many of the participants, the chance to be taught by a world-class athlete was more than just a learning opportunity—it was validation that gymnastics is no longer confined to a niche.
Levi Jung Ruvivivar's clinic in Carmona, Cavite. Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
“Nahihirapan din kami to excel more dahil nga hindi kilala masyado ‘yong gymnastics,” Coach Ace admitted.
But with Olympians like Jung-Ruivivar engaging directly with grassroots athletes, the gap between local programs and the global stage is beginning to close.
Breaking Barriers and Stereotypes
Carlos Yulo’s rise remains the catalyst.
His world championship victories brought unprecedented visibility to the sport, inspiring boys to pursue gymnastics despite long-standing stereotypes.
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“Before, sinasabi nila na pambabae lang ang gymnastics. Pero ngayon, marami nang nagta-try ng gymnastics because of Carlos Yulo and marami ding nag-ta-try to give more time sa training,” coach Ace noted.
At the same time, Jung-Ruivivar, Finnegan, and Malabuyo have strengthened the women’s program, proving that Filipino gymnasts can compete—and succeed—on the world’s biggest stages.
Their presence has given aspiring gymnasts, especially young girls, concrete role models to follow.
[RELATED: How gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar is inspiring girls to find grace in a tough sport]
A Sport on the Rise
From being dismissed as “just an extra activity,” gymnastics is now positioning itself as a sport of serious ambition in the Philippines.
More athletes are committing to full-time training, and more parents are beginning to see the sport as a viable path for their children.
Levi Jung Ruvivivar's clinic in Carmona, Cavite. Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
With the influence of Yulo, Jung-Ruivivar, Finnegan, and Malabuyo, Philippine gymnastics is finally stepping into the spotlight, fueled by both grassroots enthusiasm and world-class excellence.
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