BANGKOK – In a dazzling display of aerial artistry, Filipino gymnast Aleah Finnegan clinched the women’s vault gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Thursday, December 11, 2025, capping a stellar performance at the Thammasat University Rangsit Campus in Pathum Thani. The 22-year-old Paris Olympian, who dazzled with her power and precision, edged out Vietnam’s Thi Nguyet Nguyen for the top spot, while Malaysia’s Kang Xian Yeap settled for bronze in a fiercely contested final that showcased Southeast Asia’s rising gymnastics talent.
Finnegan’s triumph marks her third SEA Games gold, following previous victories in the team and vault events at the 2021 Vietnam Games. Her routine—a seamless blend of height, form, and landing control—earned her the judges’ nod in a field stacked with regional rivals. The victory adds to the Philippines’ burgeoning medal tally, highlighting the nation’s resurgence in artistic gymnastics under the guidance of a resilient coaching staff.
The gold wasn’t the only shine for Team Philippines on the day. In the women’s uneven bars final, Haylee Garcia snagged silver with a score of 12.333, building on her preliminary mark of 12.100 to deliver a poised and powerful performance that left the crowd roaring. Meanwhile, Justin Ace De Leon doubled up on bronze medals, securing third place in both the rings (12.700 points) and floor exercise (12.500 points), his consistency underscoring the depth of Filipino male gymnastics.
Finnegan’s win feels especially poignant as a beacon for young athletes back home, blending Olympic pedigree with regional dominance. The SEA Games, running through December 20 across 56 sports, sees the Philippines targeting at least 60 golds, with gymnastics contributing early momentum. As Finnegan vaults into legend, her gold isn’t just a medal—it’s a manifesto for Philippine sports: Reach high, land strong, and inspire the next generation to flip the script.
Medal Haul Snapshot (Gymnastics, Dec 11):
| Event | Athlete | Medal | Score/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Vault | Aleah Finnegan | Gold | Edged Vietnam’s Thi Nguyet Nguyen |
| Women’s Uneven Bars | Haylee Garcia | Silver | 12.333 pts |
| Men’s Rings | Justin Ace De Leon | Bronze | 12.700 pts |
| Men’s Floor Exercise | Justin Ace De Leon | Bronze | 12.500 pts |