For Finnegan and Malabuyo, PH has potential in women's artistic gymnastics | ABS-CBN

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For Finnegan and Malabuyo, PH has potential in women's artistic gymnastics

Paige Javier,

ABS-CBN News

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Filipina Olympians Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo during a gymnastics training camp in Intramuros, Manila, August 18, 2024. Paige Javier, ABS-CBN NewsFilipina Olympians Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo during a gymnastics training camp in Intramuros, Manila, August 18, 2024. Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Filipina gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo both believe the country has the talent and potential to excel in women's artistic gymnastics.

Carlos Yulo, the two-time Olympic gold medalists, showed in the Paris Games that the Philippines has what it takes to compete at the highest level in men's artistic gymnastics.

A glimpse at the young, up-and-coming gymnasts during a two-day training clinic in Intramuros, Manila showed Finnegan and Malabuyo that female gymnasts can also do the same in international competitions. 

"Definitely there is a lot of talent here in the Philippines. It's so cool to see there are homegrown athletes and girls who are not only hard workers, but they have the talent and capability to do these high level skills," said Malabuyo, who is one of three Filipina gymnasts to compete in the Paris Games along with Finnegan and Levi Ruivivar.

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"So just watching and being able to work them hands on I know they have a lot to improve on, but there's a lot of talent here," she added.

Malabuyo said she and Finnegan have been planning to hold a training clinic in the Philippines since the Asian Championships last year.

"I want to be able to inspire and help develop a program in the Philippines and what I can do on my end to help younger girls in the Philippines. So that's kind of the reason we wanted to start this program," she shared.

The two believe training younger Filipina gymnasts is their way of giving back.

"I think there's a lot of talent in these buildings. I'm really hoping that they continue to do gymnastics and continue to enjoy the sport. Looking around there's so many talented athletes here. I think that Team Philippines will be very successful in the future," Finnegan told ABS-CBN News on Sunday.

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Finnegan, who made history as the first Filipina gymnast to qualify for the Summer Games in 60 years, remains hopeful the participants in the two-day clinic continue working on their craft.

"I had a blast being able to work with these girls starting from really young and some a bit older too. I'm just glad that we got the chance to help them work on their basics, help them work on their details and really just polish up everything to be able to set them up best for success," she said.

Finnegan and Malabuyo said their goal is to inspire and motivate fellow Filipinas to aim higher, so more gymnasts from the Philippines can qualify in future editions of the Olympics.

"I would hope so. That's the goal. Really just supporting these athletes to keep doing it and keep pursuing their sports and their dreams. That's the biggest thing if you want to see great success," Finnegan shared.

The Olympic gymnasts shared advice for young girls looking to make it big someday.

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"I would just like to inspire and motivate younger girls who not only look like me, but also know that they can make it this far. And I want to be able to encourage them and know that I support them along their journey. And if they need anything, I'm their ate and I'm here," Malabuyo said.

"If you have a dream, pursue it. Even if it doesn't go your way the first time, just keep going for your dreams and keep working hard. Because if you put your mind to it, you can do anything," Finnegan said.

Finnegan, Malabuyo and Ruvivar fell short of reaching the medal rounds of women's artistic gymnastics at the Paris Olympics. 

Despite this, they are still proud of representing the Philippines and remain grateful for the support they've received from Filipinos all over the world.

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