That’s the mentality the Filipino gymnast had as she embarked on a new chapter of her sporting career – one that would take her to the other side of the world.
At the age of 22, the Paris 2024 Olympian completed her historic collegiate career – a resume that includes helping her Louisiana State University Tigers to their first NCAA team title in 2024 – in April and was looking for something different.
Born and raised in the United States, Finnegan wasn’t just looking for a change of scenery. For her, it was about reconnecting with her heritage and the country she has represented internationally since 2022.
So she came to Manila in August to start her adventure. It has given her the opportunity to ‘experience’ [the Philippines] up close and exploring a bit”.
Family helped her settle in, as cousins, aunts and uncles welcomed her. Her mother came to help her get set up for the first month, but soon Finnegan was able to navigate life on her own: working out, exploring new coffee shops and soaking up the rhythms of life in Manila.
“I just train, and then I go explore the city,” she said. “Maybe it’s a new coffee shop, maybe it’s a new restaurant. I’m slowly making new friends.”
Among those friends are her training partners: members of the Philippine men’s gymnastics team, including two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo.
“I actually trained a lot with our men’s team,” Finnegan said. “Carlos and the [men’s] team was very helpful with the training environment, helping me get used to everything, making sure I don’t overdo it, but still be prepared for the future.”
Finnegan’s move in August also marked her return to full-time gymnastics training since the end of her college career some three and a half months earlier. That gave her just two months to prepare for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in October in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she finished 33rd in the all-around rankings.
#Artistic #gymnastics #Aleah #Finnegan #reconnects #heritage #Manila #SEA #Games