Levi Jung-Ruivivar says recovery from eating disorder ‘going really well’

MANILA, Philippines – Olympic gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar said “things are going well” as she continues her recovery from an eating disorder which prompted her to take a break from collegiate competition.

Jung-Ruivivar, who represented the Philippines in the Paris Olympics, took a leave of absence from Stanford and redshirted the NCAA season to focus on her healing.

“I wanted to inform everyone that things are going well. I am sure anyone who has received treatment for an eating disorder has heard the saying, ‘recovery isn’t linear,’ and I couldn’t agree more,” she wrote in an Instagram post.

“Despite this, everything has been going really well and I have so many incredible people helping me through this process.”

While athletes are often measured by their accomplishments and accolades, Jung-Ruivivar said she has learned that sports go beyond success and failure.

The 18-year-old, who initially kept her eating disorder secret from some of her closest friends, decided to share her experience publicly to shed light on individuals who also suffer from the same condition.

“I have received so many messages of encouragement for my recovery. It serves to prove how many care not only about an individual’s athletic success, but for their wellbeing and health,” she said.

“I know this may seem convoluted, but this is something that took a while for me to come to terms with, and I hope others are able to view themselves as much more than athletic achievement. To me, ‘sports’ embodies so much more than physical strength; it embodies mental and emotional strength as well.”

“This journey hasn’t been easy, but knowing I have such incredible people by my side is making all the difference.”

An uneven bars bronze medalist in the Asian championships, Jung-Ruivivar is expected return to school and training before the spring quarter sometime in April.

“I am looking forward to getting back out on the competition floor!” she said. – Rappler.com