Aleah Finnegan secured the gold medal in the women’s vault event at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held in 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, reinforcing the Philippines’ rising stature in regional gymnastics. Finnegan’s winning score of 13.433 edged out Vietnam’s Thi Quynh Nhu Nguyen, who scored 13.400, while Malaysia’s Kang Xian Yeap took bronze with 12.966. The competition unfolded at Thammasat University in Pathum Thani amidst a tense delay caused by a scoring error that briefly cast doubt over Finnegan’s victory.
Finnegan Clinches Second SEA Games Gold with Narrow Victory
The 22-year-old Filipina-American gymnast’s triumph marked her second SEA Games gold in the vault, following her first win in Hanoi in 2022. This time, the margin was razor-thin, with a mere 0.033 points separating her from the silver medalist. The final, however, was nearly overshadowed by an initial scoring mistake that displayed an incorrect result after Finnegan’s routine.
The error triggered nearly 30 minutes of uncertainty and anxiety before officials promptly corrected the score, confirming her as the rightful champion. Reflecting on the experience, Finnegan said, “I felt really anxious when they showed the wrong score… It was quite stressful and confusing, but I’m just grateful that everything was resolved in the end.”
From U.S. Junior Competitor to Philippine Gymnastics Pioneer
Aleah Finnegan’s athletic journey is a testament to resilience and cross-cultural representation. Initially competing for the United States between 2019 and 2021, she switched allegiance to the Philippines in 2022, immediately making an impact by qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics. In Paris, she was the first Filipina gymnast in over six decades to compete in the Games, achieving a 47th place in all-around and a historic 17th place in vault — the highest ever by a Filipina gymnast.
Her success extends beyond Southeast Asia. In 2024, she captured the NCAA floor exercise title while competing for Louisiana State University (LSU), helping the team secure its first national championship. She also earned bronze medals in vault and balance beam at the 2023 Asian Championships and has qualified for multiple world championships, attesting to her consistency on the international stage.
Faith and Perseverance Fuel Finnegan’s Success
Behind Finnegan’s performances lies a foundation of personal faith. She openly credited her belief in Jesus for her mental strength amid challenges. “I constantly prayed to Jesus. Without Him, I am nothing, and I believe He is with me,” she said, highlighting how spirituality has supported her through both athletic and personal obstacles.
Her gold medal holds profound meaning: “This gold means a lot to me. There have been many challenges behind the scenes, some of which were personal, but I persevered through it all.”
SEA Games 2025: A Day of Filipino Gymnastics Triumphs
Finnegan’s victory contributed to an impressive day for the Philippines in gymnastics at the SEA Games. Fellow Filipino gymnast Haylee Garcia earned a silver medal in the uneven bars event, while Justin Ace de Leon secured two bronze medals in floor exercise and rings, respectively.
Looking ahead, Finnegan was set to compete in the balance beam final the day following her vault gold, aiming to further bolster the country’s medal tally.
Officials and Peers Recognize Finnegan’s Excellence
Cynthia Carrion, president of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, expressed strong support for Finnegan’s performance and the final resolution of the scoring issue: “From the instant Aleah completed her vault, I was certain it was gold… I appreciate the organizers for correcting the score.”
Building Momentum for Philippine Gymnastics on the Regional Stage
Finnegan’s SEA Games gold exemplifies the Philippines’ growing prominence in a sport historically dominated by other nations in Southeast Asia. Her personal narrative — from competing in U.S. junior levels to becoming a top SEA Games and NCAA champion — underscores the expansive potential of Filipino athletes navigating multiple cultural spaces.
As the country continues to invest in training and international competition opportunities, Finnegan’s achievements not only inspire young athletes but also strengthen the Philippines’ standing in regional athletics. Her seamless blend of perseverance, faith, and elite skill highlights a new chapter for Philippine gymnastics on both the regional and global sports arena.
