Ruivivar goes down, not out

MANILA, Philippines — Channeling the Filipino fighting spirit, gymnast Levi Jung Ruivivar is resolved to make her Olympic dream a reality despite her recent bout with anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction.

“My body’s still recovering but that is not going to stop me from competing at this Olympics,” Ruivivar said on her Instagram account yesterday.

The Fil-Am gymnast shared that she was taken to the Olympic Village clinic last Monday for treatment after her breathing became significantly labored, her throat began to constrict, her chest itched and she had severe swelling. She assured everyone that all is good now.

"I just want to let everyone know that I am 100% safe and healthy,” said the 18-year-old from LA, one of three Pinay gymnasts in the Paris Games along with Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo.

“My muscles are fatigued and it definitely took a toll on my body, but I am doing everything I can to recover and perform at my best possible level. I am slowly progressing back into routine.”

Ruivivar thanked everyone who helped her overcome this medical situation, including Finnegan, her coach, gymnastics association chief Cynthia Carrion and other staff, and get on the road to recovery ahead of the women’s all-around qualification rounds on Sunday.