Cover Every leap this young gymnast takes is bringing her closer to her dreams and heritage (Photo: Courtesy of Aleah Finnegan)
Every leap this young gymnast takes is bringing her closer to her dreams and heritage (Photo: Courtesy of Aleah Finnegan)
1 / 1
Aleah Finnegan, a gymnast who started her journey at the age of two, aims to make history at the Olympics by representing her mother’s homeland, the Philippines
In the world of gymnastics, where every flip is a feat and every tumble tells a tale, Aleah Finnegan stands out not just for her athletic skills but for her story of heritage and heart. Recognised as one of this year’s Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow, Finnegan began her athletic journey at the age of two, mirroring the flips and twirls of her three older sisters in a house where gymnastics was as common as breakfast.
Today, with a remarkable journey that spans competing for the United States, the young gymnast is poised to make history by representing the Philippines, her mother’s homeland. This decision intertwines her dreams with a heartfelt tribute to her heritage, inspiring a new generation of gymnasts and reflecting her commitment to excellence both on and off the mat.
Read more: 6 elite athletes from Asia redefining sports excellence
I started gymnastics when I was about two years old. I have three older sisters who are all gymnasts and my oldest sister actually represented the Philippines at one of the Southeast Asian Games in 2011. Growing up in the sport, I loved it. I didn’t really know anything else. I continued to want to learn a new skill and move on to the next level.
Ultimately, I set my goal for the Olympics—it’s the Olympics or nothing. That’s what I set my sights on. To be able to finally have that sense of accomplishment while also representing the Philippines. Sports for women and female athletes across the nation is something that I don’t take lightly and I’m really proud to represent.
Balancing academics and athletics is definitely not easy by any means, but I’m really thankful to have the opportunity to do it all at the same time: to study at a university, compete for my university, for the Philippines and have the Olympics coming up this summer. It can be a lot on my plate, but it really helps to compartmentalise each one and stay in the moment of what I’m doing at that specific time and not think or plan too far ahead.
The chance to represent the Philippines was too good of an opportunity to pass up. What an incredible way to be able to give back to my mum who sacrificed so much, who was born and raised in Manila, and to all the rest of my family members who are still in the Philippines. I’m honoured to be able to represent them and my heritage.
The beauty of gymnastics is that it’s a repetitive sport. You look at sports like basketball or soccer, where they depend on the other team, whereas gymnastics really just depends on you. It doesn’t matter what everyone else is doing around you. You’ve done these routines thousands of times. My support system, particularly from my family, coaches and teammates, has been crucial in my journey. They all play a significant role in helping me stay motivated and focused.
Read more: Women’s sports: The challenges that female athletes still have to deal with
I hope to inspire at least somebody to try something new, maybe not even gymnastics. If it doesn’t work out the first time, I want to inspire someone to keep trying. It doesn’t matter how old you are when you start. If you have a dream and a goal in mind, even if it doesn’t go your way the first time, that’s okay. I’ve experienced heartbreak, injuries, all those things. But when you put your mind to something, I believe that you can accomplish anything.
Get to know more 2024 Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow in Sports.
NOW READ
6 up and coming innovators from Asia leading the AI charge in 2024
The power of play: How sports can unleash potential and uplift lives
Topics
Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
