UCLA gymnast Emma Malabuyo recently made her Olympic debut in the all-around qualifications at Bercy Arena in Paris. Despite not delivering her best performance, Malabuyo finished tied for the highest score among the three Filipina gymnasts competing. Her Olympic journey was a triumphant return to elite gymnastics after narrowly missing out on the Tokyo Olympics as a U.S. alternate.
Accompanied by UCLA coach Janelle McDonald, Malabuyo ended her Olympic competition on a high note with a perfectly stuck dismount on bars, solidifying her status as an Olympian. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the Philippines, the home country of her grandparents, and embraced her cultural heritage with pride.
Malabuyo, along with Aleah Finnegan and Levi Ruivivar, are the first female gymnasts to represent the Philippines in the Olympics in 60 years. Despite criticism regarding their American backgrounds, Malabuyo remains dedicated to inspiring others through representation and cultural connection.
As she looks forward to supporting other Olympic events like beach volleyball and tennis, Malabuyo plans a trip to the Philippines next month to engage in dance and gymnastics workshops. She sees her role as an Olympian as a way to inspire present and future generations, emphasizing the importance of representation and cultural pride. Malabuyo’s journey showcases the power of pursuing dreams, cultural connection, and the impact of representing one’s heritage on a global stage.
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