Along with Simone Biles clinching her 8th championship medal, Team USA has done wonders in the 2023 season. However, at the same time, sports is not always about wins but downfall as well. With victories, USA Gymnastics has encountered various bumbles. The major loss for the team commenced when selection camp in Texas unfolded. Team USA is grappling with the departure of three talented gymnasts: Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Aleah Finnegan, and the most recent one, Emma Malabuyo. All three have recently chosen to represent the Philippines.
Out of all three, USA-born and LSU Alumni Finnegan dazzles. The renowned institution, with a legacy of producing sports legends like Shaquille O?Neil and Olivia Dunne, celebrates its LSU athletes despite their shift to the Philippines team. Finnegan, despite the change, continues honing her skills. A recent Instagram update by Olivia showcases America’s beauty leaving spectators in awe, adding a new chapter to Finnegan’s gymnastics journey.
Olivia Dunne extends heartwarming tribute to LSU gymnast?
On October 4th, the second day of the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics Championship, Olivia Dunne, a legend in gymnastics and NIL, shared an exclusive repost on her Instagram, building excitement among her 4.4 million followers. The post features Aleah Finnegan in a striking “Next Stop Paris 2024” poster, prompting Olivia to caption it with a spirited “Let’s freaking Geaux.” The poster vividly captures Finnegan’s dynamic moves, showcasing her as a force to be reckoned with.
Renowned for prioritizing precise and solid routines over flamboyant displays, Finnegan approaches competitions with meticulous attention. In a conversation with Olympics.com, she underscored her dedication to refining details, expressing, “I have the skills, I know what works and what doesn’t.” Despite her undeniable talent, fans are captivated by the recent decision of the 20-year-old American gymnast to join the Philippines team. Finnegan’s intentional move has sparked curiosity, leaving enthusiasts eager to uncover the reasons behind this noteworthy transition in her gymnastics journey.
Here’s how Aleah Finnegan Quit Team USA Gymnastics
Aleah Finnegan’s shift from Team USA to representing the Philippines unveils a narrative woven with unexpected twists. After what she thought was her final elite competition in 2021, Finnegan redirected her focus to collegiate gymnastics at LSU.
The roots of this decision delve into Finnegan’s familial connections?her mother, Linabelle, hails from the Philippines. With this, Hannah, Finnegan elder sister at SEA games has represented the island nation over a decade back. Initially hesitant about re-entering elite gymnastics, Finnegan’s trajectory altered dramatically. The things took a twist when the athlete got a sudden call from the Philippines Gymnastics Association.
In essence, this hard decision was worth taking for the gymnast. The endeavor bore fruit as Finnegan secured four medals, encompassing gold in both team and vault events. Along similar lines, silver in the all-around and balance beam events. Her journey epitomizes the dedication and adaptability of an athlete seizing to a new journey. Fans are awaiting to see how the gymnastic queen unleashes it at elite level.
