Olympic gymnast reveals she has an eating disorder in heartbreaking statement

Levi Jung-Ruivivar, a college gymnast who competed for the Philippines at the 2024 Olympics, is taking a leave of absence from Stanford after her heartbreaking revelation of an eating disorder. 

Jung-Ruivivar is in her freshman season competing for the Cardinal and is one of a few Paris Olympians currently affiliated with NCAA gymnastics programs. 

Team USA's Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey compete for UCLA and Oregon State respectively, while Hezly Rivera has committed to LSU. 

Jung-Ruivivar revealed her leave of absence on social media with a lengthy message. 

Stanford are in its first season competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference after the exodus from the Pac-12 Conference.

'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's social media statement read. 

'I struggled with an eating disorder prior to my time at [World Olympic Gymnastics Academy] and Stanford. 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.'

'I had lots of trepidation sharing this information with the  public as it is something I haven't told many of my closest friends, however I think it is important for various reasons.'

'First, I want to be extremely honest with everyone who is a part of my journey. Second, I believe by being transparent I can minimize the shame I feel around it. Third, I want to be a voice for anyone who may be struggling with an eating disorder, you are not alone.'

'For those of you who may not know a lot about eating disorders, there are many different kinds and the severity of them differs, however they truly negatively impact one's mind and body. As an elite athlete, I felt it was vital to stop the damage it was doing to my body and mind by seeking help.'

'I love gymnastics, college, Stanford (GO CARD), and my entire support system. I am blown away at how many people (including my family, friends, coaches and staff) have rallied behind me and I will forever be grateful. I look forward to getting to relish all of this and more as I overcome my eating disorder.'