Aleah Finnegan to honor recently deceased grandmother in Gymnastic Worlds

Filipino Olympian Aleah Finnegan will honor her recently deceased grandmother as she represents the country in the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta.

Finnegan’s grandmother, Catalina Cruz, died at the age of 92 at her home in Caloocan after having been in a coma from a stroke.

Finnegan reflected on her “nanay”, sharing memories when her late grandmother would visit her and her mother in the US.

“She was around me my whole life long enough. My lola would visit us regularly in the US, bouncing around California and Missouri to look after her kids,” Finnegan said.

The Olympian also revealed that her grandmother was supposed to go to Jakarta to support her before her passing.

“She would even cook breakfast for me. She was all set to join us in Jakarta and cheer for me and the team. That is not going to happen now,” she added.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

Aleah Finnegan, Haylee Garcia, Emma Malabuyo, and Elaiza Yulo are set to proudly carry the Philippine flag as they gear up for the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, happening from October 19 to 25 in Jakarta, Indonesia.#JakartaGymnastics

📸 Instagram | @aleahfinn pic.twitter.com/gxO8q2jjCk

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) October 16, 2025

Cruz was laid to rest last week, prompting Finnegan to postpone going to Jakarta for training and stay in Manila longer.

Finnegan shared her fondest memories with her grandmother, citing the times when she would be taught how to make the Filipino dish, lumpiang shanghai.

“My lola would let us eat all that was left of the lumpiang shanghai preparations after it was over,” said Finnegan.

For Finnegan, competing at the highest level and bringing home a medal will be at utmost importance to honor her late grandmother.

My lola would not want me to hang my head down knowing all the work that we put in for this competition,” she said. She would want me to give my all, no half-effort.”

Fellow Olympian Emma Malabuyo will join Finnegan alongside Carlos Yulo’s sister, Elaiza, who will make her debut in the meet.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.