American-born gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar, who represented the Philippines at last year’s Paris Olympics, announced plans to step back from competition to address her health.
She said she would begin treatment for an eating disorder.
“Hi everyone, I wanted to come here today to share some deeply personal information. I have decided to redshirt this season and take a short leave of absence from Stanford (just winter quarter) to heal from an eating disorder I have been struggling with.
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Levi Jung-Ruivivar during the 2023 US Gymnastics Championships at the SAP Center on August 25, 2023. (Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports)
Jung-Ruivivar, 18, is a student at Stanford University. She added that her struggle with the disorder has hurt her athletic career and her time as a student.
“My time at Stanford has been everything I dreamed of and more. I have loved gymnastics and school, and both have been going well, but I felt that the disorder was infringing on my ability to fully enjoy these aspects of my life; it pulled A copious amount of my mental and physical energy away from the things I care about,” the star gymnast wrote.
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Jung-Ruivivar admitted she experienced “a lot of anxiety” when weighing whether to talk about her private struggle. But she decided it was “important” for her to share what she was struggling with.
Levi Jung-Ruivivar competes in the uneven bars during the women’s senior division of the US Classic at the Maverik Center July 30, 2022 in West Valley City, Utah. (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
“As an elite athlete, I felt it was important to stop the damage it was doing to my body and mind by seeking help,” she added.
Jung-Ruivivar also expressed appreciation for the support she has received from loved ones and coaches, adding that she is “looking forward to enjoying all of this and more as I overcome my eating disorder.”
Levi Jung-Ruivivar at the Mixed Cup March 20, 2022. (Marijan Murat/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
Fellow Gymnast Hezly Rivera showed support for Jung-Ruivivar, writing “I Love You Levi” under the Social Media Post. Gymnast Skye Blakely added a few heart emojis in the comments section.
In a separate social media post directed at Jung-Ruivivar, Stanford University wrote, “supporting you every step of the way.”
