A Philippines gymnast is currently recovering after she suffered an allergic reaction at the Olympic Village late last week.
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Levi Jung-Ruuivivar, the Philippines gymnast, took to TiKTok to share details about the reaction that landed her in an ambulance.
“I guess you could say I had an Olympic experience like no other,” Levi explained in a July 25 TikTok, with fellow Philippines teammate Aleah Finnegan. “Aleah and I are in an ambulance right now because I had an allergic reaction to tree nuts.”
Aleah praised her teammate by declaring, “She’s a trooper.”
In a voiceover of the video the Philippines gymnast recalled what happened in the Olympic Village that led to her medical emergency, which happened on July 22.
“This Monday I was walking around the Olympic Village,” the athlete explained. “When I began to have a severe allergic reaction. I have an anaphylactic tree nut allergy. I’m unaware of what caused this reaction, as I didn’t have food three hours prior to when I started to feel the symptoms.”
She further spoke about how she had to use her EpiPen. “It was really scary because I was having a really hard time breathing,” Levi admitted. “So, I decided I needed to take an EpiPen. I carry an EpiPen with me everywhere just in case something like this happens—although I’ve only had to use it one other time.”
The Philippines gymnast expressed her gratitude for her teammate, who helped her through the Olympic Village ordeal. “Aleah was so incredibly helpful,” Levi pointed out. “I had so many people who supported me and were able to get me the medical attention that I needed in this moment. It definitely was a stressful night and something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
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Meanwhile, Levi stated that despite the incident, she’s going through with competing at the Olympic Games.
“My body is still recovering,” she said. “But that’s not gonna stop me from competing at this Olympics.”
In an update, Levi was seen lining up for the opening ceremonies on Friday, July 26. She was standing with her teammate Emma Malabuyo. “I’m thirsty,” Levi mouthed to a goofy TikTok sound. Emma turned around and mouthed its response, “Refreshing.”
She also wrote in an update, “I just want to let everyone know that I am 100% safe and healthy. 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 routines; I will be competing at this Olympic Games and I am beyond grateful to everyone who helped me through this incident.”