Olympic gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar is putting her health first.
The Stanford University student and member of the Philippines’ 2024 Paris Olympics gymnastics team shared Wednesday, Jan. 22 that she is stepping away from the sport to receive treatment for an eating disorder.
“Hi everyone, I wanted to come on here today to share some deeply personal information. I have decided to redshirt this season and take a brief leave of absence from Stanford (just the winter quarter) to heal from an eating disorder I have been struggling with. I will return to school and training before the spring quarter starts,” Jung-Ruivivar wrote in an Instagram post.
The 18-year-old gymnast said that she plans to “return to school and training before the spring quarter starts.”
“My time at Stanford has been everything I dreamed of and more. I have been loving gymnastics and school and both have been going well, however I felt the disorder was infringing on my ability to fully enjoy these aspects of my life; it was pulling an abundant amount of my mental and physical energy away from the things I hold dear,” Jung-Ruivivar continued.
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Cal Sport Media via AP
Discussing why she decided to come forward, Jung-Ruivivar said that she “had lots of trepidation” sharing her eating disorder with the world, but she feels it is “important” to share.
“As an elite athlete, I felt it was vital to stop the damage it was doing to my body and mind by seeking help,” she added.
After thanking her family, friends and coaches for their support, Jung-Ruivivar said “I look forward to getting to relish all of this and more as I overcome my eating disorder.”
The comments were filled with support from fellow gymnasts, including U.S. Olympian Hezly Rivera, who wrote, “i love you levi❤️❤️.” Skye Blakely, who was favored for the Paris team before she tore her achilles tendon during warmups ahead of U.S. Team Trials, added “❤️❤️.”
Following her announcement, Stanford University posted a message on X that read “Supporting you every step of the way.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please go to NationalEatingDisorders.org.
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