MANILA – Meet Levi Jung-Ruivivar, the youngest Filipino Olympian for the Paris Games at 18 years old.

Born to actors Anthony Ruivivar and Yvonne Jung, Levi started gymnastics when she was still a toddler, according to her dad.

"It started with mommy and me classes, mostly jumping on a trampoline and swinging on a rope. She [Levi] always loved moving her body through space hanging upside down jumping onto the couch. We thought she would like gymnastics classes. It just progressed from there," Anthony said.

READ: Levi Ruivivar in Manila to give back to younger Pinay gymnasts before Paris Olympics

READ: Fil-Am Levi Jung-Ruivivar leaves US team to bolster PH gymnastics

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Jung-Ruivivar previously represented the United States from 2018 to 2023 until she finally decided to connect to her Pinoy roots — a decision that was a "no-brainer," according to Jung-Ruivivar.

"It honestly wasn’t difficult because I’ve always wanted to compete for the Philippines since I was little [but] I just had no way to connect with the community," she said.

"So once I was able to make that connection, it was just a no-brainer. I am just honored to compete for the Philippines and it’s been a dream I wanted to pursue for so long, so finally achieving that is amazing," Levi went on.

Jung-Ruivivar finally achieved her dream of being an Olympian after clinching silver and enough qualification points in the 2024 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha, Qatar in uneven bars.

She was the third Filipino gymnast to qualify after Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan.

"I've been working so hard. It feels so worth it. It's hard to fathom but I’m truly blessed and honored," she said.

READ: Gymnast Jung-Ruivivar, rower Delgaco earn Olympic spots

Filipino-American gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar with her late grandfather. Photo courtesy of Anthony Ruivivar

After clinching a berth in the Games, Levi honored her late grandfather, Tony Ruivivar, to whom she also traces her Filipino roots.

READ: Pinay gymnast honors late lolo with Olympic qualifying routine

Part of the Society of 7 Group with Bert Nievera — the father of Martin Nievera — her Lolo Tony would always tell stories that made her laugh.

Lolo Tony, also her "biggest fan," dreamed one day that his "little" Levi would make the Olympics.

She arrived in France on July 13 — and for the young gymnast, stepping into the French city of Metz is already a dream fulfilled.

"This is a dream come true. I finally made it here," she told TFC News.

READ: Apat na Pinoy Olympians dumating na rin sa France

"I obviously known a bit that I have qualified for the Olympics a few months ago and I’ve been working hard on the gym to get to this point but the fact that I’m already here in Paris right now is just incredible. I’m so excited to go to Metz, do some training and go to Olympic Village and then compete."

Jung-Ruivivar will be competing in all-around gymnastics, where she will be showcasing her skills in uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise, and vault.

The young Olympian acknowledged the challenges of being a gymnast.

"Training is good, it's obviously very difficult, gymnastics is a tough sport," she said. 

Still, Jung-Ruivivar wants to make the Philippines proud despite roadblocks in her way.

"It's a lot physically and mentally but I was just giving my best effort in the gym and doing everything that I can in my absolute best performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and getting to represent the Philippines."

RELATED VIDEO: