Olympic gymnast Lévy Jung-Louis Vivard announced on Wednesday that she will be taking time off from school to “cure an eating disorder” that she suffers from.
In a candid post shared with her Instagram followers, Yung-Louisvival, who attends Stanford University and represented the Philippines at the Paris 2024 Games last summer, revealed that she has been struggling with an eating disorder for some time. “It had a huge impact,” he said. It took my mental and physical energy away from the things I valued. ”
“Hello everyone. I'm here today to share some very personal information,” the 18-year-old freshman gymnast began. “I decided to redshirt this season and take a short (winter) leave of absence from Stanford University to heal from an eating disorder I have been struggling with.
“I plan to return to school and training before the start of the spring term. Before joining WOGA, I struggled with an eating disorder. [World Olympic Gymnastics Academy] And Stanford. My time at Stanford was everything I dreamed of and more. Although I love gymnastics and school and am doing well in both, I felt that this disability was infringing on my ability to fully enjoy these aspects of my life. ”
Chong-Louis Vival, who made her Olympic debut in Paris, said Wednesday that she was “very nervous” about sharing her private struggles with the public as some of her inner circle were also in the dark. But she was aware that opening up her story could be potentially dangerous to help others.
“First of all, I want to be very honest with everyone who joins me on my journey,” she said. “Secondly, I believe that by being transparent I can minimize the shame I feel around me. Thirdly, I want to be an advocate for those who struggle with eating disorders. You are not alone.
“For those of you who don't know much about eating disorders, there are many different types and varying degrees of severity, but they can really take a toll on your mind and body. As an elite athlete, I can help… I felt it was important to stop the damage that I was doing to my body and mind by searching for something.”
Jung-Ruvivar concluded her message by thanking her support system as she continues her recovery.
“I was amazed at how many people supported me (including family, friends, coaches, and staff) and I will be forever grateful,” she said. “I look forward to having more fun than ever while overcoming my eating disorder.”
Since posting her message on Instagram, Jung-Louivivard has received an outpouring of support from Stanford University and the gymnastics community, including fellow first-time Olympian Hesley Rivera.
“I love you, Levi,” said Rivera, a member of Team USA's gold medal-winning squad.
“Always part of the SWG family. We are so proud of you!” Stanford Gymnastics commented on her post.
USA Gymnastics also sent a kind message to Jung-Louivival, who captioned her first post: Embrace the journey here. ”
“We are incredibly proud of your strength and integrity. You are helping more people than you know,” USA Gymnastics shared.
National Eating Disorder Association estimated Nine percent of the U.S. population “will develop an eating disorder in their lifetime.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by the issues raised in this article, please continue to contact the Crisis Text Line by calling 988 or text “NEDA” to 741741 Please.
