Levi Jung-Ruivivar, the Filipino gymnast who etched her name in history as the youngest athlete to represent the Philippines at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, continues to inspire with her bravery and resilience.
While her Olympic journey didn’t culminate in a podium finish, Levi Jung-Ruivivar talent and determination left an indelible mark on the country. Recently, however, she made an important personal announcement, revealing that she is taking a leave of absence from Stanford University to focus on her recovery from an eating disorder.
This move, while a setback for the promising young athlete, reflects Jung-Ruivivar’s commitment to prioritizing her well-being and mental health. She plans to return to school and resume her gymnastics training before the spring quarter begins in April. Her decision has sparked a wave of support and solidarity from her peers, fellow athletes, and fans alike.
In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, Levi Jung-Ruivivar opened up about her struggle with an eating disorder, explaining that it had been an ongoing battle even before her time at WOGA (World Olympic Gymnastics Academy) and Stanford.
Despite her success as an athlete and her satisfaction with both gymnastics and academics at Stanford, Jung-Ruivivar admitted that the disorder had been detracting from her ability to fully enjoy these aspects of her life.
“I have decided to redshirt this season and take a brief leave of absence from Stanford to heal from an eating disorder I have been struggling with. I will return to school and training before the spring quarter starts,” Jung-Ruivivar wrote.
“My time at Stanford has been everything I dreamed of and more. I have been loving gymnastics and school and both have been going well, however, I felt the disorder was infringing on my ability to fully enjoy these aspects of my life; it was pulling an abundant amount of mental and physical energy away from the things I hold dear.”
Jung-Ruivivar’s decision to publicly address her struggles with an eating disorder is courageous. She noted that sharing this part of her life with the public wasn’t easy, as she had not even confided in some of her closest friends about it. However, she expressed the importance of being transparent for several reasons.
Through her Instagram post, Jung-Ruivivar hopes to bring attention to the often-overlooked issue of eating disorders, which can severely affect both the mind and body. “I want to be extremely honest with everyone who is a part of my journey. Second, I believe by being transparent I can minimize the shame I feel around it. Third, I want to be a voice for anyone who may be struggling with an eating disorder, you are not alone,” she shared.
An incredibly brave statement from Levi Jung-Ruivivar, who announced today she is redshirting and taking a brief leave of absence from Stanford to heal from an eating disorder.
— Gymnastics Now (@Gymnastics_Now) January 22, 2025
"I want to be a voice for anyone who may be struggling with an eating disorder, you are not alone." pic.twitter.com/4reUKZ1ADP
For those unfamiliar with eating disorders, Jung-Ruivivar emphasized that these conditions come in many forms, each varying in severity. As an elite athlete, she realized that the eating disorder was not only harming her mental and emotional well-being but also taking a toll on her physical health. The decision to step away from her busy academic and athletic commitments was an essential one for her recovery.
“I am blown away at how many people have rallied behind me, and I will forever be grateful. I look forward to getting to relish all of this and more as I overcome my eating disorder,” Jung-Ruivivar added, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received.
The 18-year-old gymnast has received immense encouragement from the Filipino sports community. Fellow Olympians, including Aleah Finnegan, Sam Catantan, and Lauren Hoffman, have offered their unwavering support. Additionally, Stanford University has extended its full backing to Jung-Ruivivar during this challenging period, with the institution pledging to assist her in every step of her recovery journey.
The young athlete’s decision to focus on her health, despite the challenges she faces, serves as a reminder to athletes and fans alike that mental health is just as important as physical well-being. Jung-Ruivivar’s openness and courage in confronting her eating disorder are setting an example for others who may be going through similar struggles.
Levi Jung-Ruivivar’s journey has only just begun, and this setback will likely prove to be a temporary one in the grand scheme of her career. Known for her exceptional talent and dedication to her sport, she has the potential to continue making waves in the world of gymnastics. As she takes the necessary time to recover and heal, there’s no doubt that her supporters are eager to see her return to the gym, stronger and more resilient than ever.
As a rising star in Filipino sports, Levi Jung-Ruivivar’s journey and challenges resonate with many sports fans, particularly those who are interested in following the careers of promising athletes. If you’re a fan of gymnastics or any other sport, this is the place to be for all your sports betting needs.
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Levi Jung-Ruivivar’s story of courage and resilience is a testament to the strength of athletes everywhere, and as she continues to heal and grow, her supporters can look forward to more incredible achievements in the future. Make sure to follow her journey, and for the best in sports betting, sign up now for free!