Finnegan is determined to win another one before she leaves Baton Rouge. FIG photo
Finnegan hopes to keep winning in US NCAA
ALEAH Finnegan, who became one of the Philippine gymnastics’ poster girls, saw her Olympic dreams come true in Paris last year.
Now a senior at Louisiana State University and played a major role in leading the program to its first US NCAA crown, Finnegan returned for her final year fresh off an Olympics appearance.
On Friday night, LSU raised its US NCAA gymnastics 2024 championship banner at the university’s Assembly Center named after basketball legend Pete Maravich and Finnegan is determined to win another one before she leaves Baton Rouge.
“Protect The Crown,” Finnegan wrote on her Instagram account on the eve of their title-retention campaign.
By the time the US NCAA gymnastics competition comes to a close in April, Finnegan, who is also the reigning floor exercise champion, hopes to end her college career as a winner and built the Tigers’ dynasty in the sport.
Finnegan, 21, had an Olympic debut to remember by representing the Philippines well.
From her high-energy routine in the floor exercise to a strong showing on bars, Finnegan proved that she can compete against the best in the world.
“Forever an Olympian,” Finnegan wrote.
“I can’t even begin to describe how much this competition has meant to me and my family. From dreaming about the Olympics since I was a little girl, to finally being out on the floor. I’m so thankful for this crazy journey I get to call my life.
“To my family, thank you for supporting me no matter what. For always pushing me to chase my dreams even when I didn’t think they were possible. To my dad who I know is smiling down from heaven, he always believed I would be here someday.
“To my coaches, both at LSU and GAGE. I wouldn’t be here if not for the help, patience, sacrifice and hard work from everyone included.
Thank you for supporting me,” she added.
Finnegan, together with Levi Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo have already made history after ending a 60-year drought for the participation of Philippine women gymnasts in the Olympics.
Evelyn Magluyan and Maria-Luisa Floro were the most recent Filipina gymnasts who seen action in the Summer Games in Tokyo 1964 prior to the trio.
Of course, Finnegan’s ultimate goal is to make it to the 2028 Los Angeles Games as a better gymnast.
“To my teammates and friends, you all have made this journey incredibly FUN! We are having fun! Thank you for picking me up and helping me to find joy in the sport again,” Finnegan wrote on her social media accounts right after the Olympics.
“And to GAP, POC, and the entire Philippine community, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent this beautiful country and accepting me with open arms. I am honored to wear this flag on my chest.
“I didn’t think this post would be sappy, but.. oops!! If you made it this far, thank YOU for all the kind, supportive, sweet messages I have received. I love you all so dearly. & excited to what is to come!”
Together with Malabuyo, Finnegan shared her knowledge and inspired the Philippine young female gymnasts in a two-day Women’s Artistic Gymnastics training clinic held last August at the MVPSF Gymnastics Center in Intramuros, Manila.
Not only that, Finnegan was chosen to become Meralco’s muse in the opening ceremonies of the 2024-25 PBA season.
