BANGKOK, Thailand – December 12, 2025 — Aleah Finnegan delivered a spectacular performance at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, capturing the coveted gold medal in the women’s gymnastics vault final. Her victory is a defining moment for Philippine gymnastics, adding another top finish to the nation’s growing medal tally and cementing her status as one of the region’s elite gymnasts.
The highly anticipated vault final, staged at the Nongprue Municipality Sport Complex in Chonburi, featured Southeast Asia’s finest athletes, but Aleah Finnegan’s flawless execution and technical mastery set her apart. She delivered two difficult vaults with precision and elegance, impressing both judges and spectators alike and securing a commanding lead over her competitors.
Golden Performance: Execution Meets Difficulty
From the moment she stepped onto the runway, the arena was electric. A seasoned international competitor, Aleah Finnegan carried herself with calm determination, a demeanor that hinted at the remarkable performance that lay ahead.
The 2025 SEA Games gymnastics events are renowned for their intensity, and the women’s vault final was no exception. Aleah Finnegan’s first vault—a double-twisting Yurchenko—was executed with near perfection. She launched off the springboard with explosive power, completed two full twists in mid-air, and landed with remarkable stability, incurring minimal deductions. The technical precision and athleticism displayed in this opening vault immediately positioned her as a favorite for the gold.
For her second vault, Finnegan opted for an even more complex skill, demonstrating not only technical prowess but also strategic ambition. Executing a vault with a higher difficulty score under pressure is no small feat, but she delivered flawlessly. Her landing was solid and controlled, drawing an eruption of cheers from the Filipino contingent in the stands. The combined effect of her two vaults left the judges with little doubt about the rightful champion of the event.
Decisive Scores: Dominance Confirmed
The official results confirmed Aleah Finnegan’s dominance. She achieved an average score of 13.550, the highest in the final, outscoring her closest competitors by a significant margin:
| Gymnast | Country | Score | Medal |
| Aleah Finnegan | Philippines | 13.550 | Gold |
| Rifda Irfanaluthfi | Indonesia | 13.300 | Silver |
| Rachel Yeoh Li Wen | Malaysia | 13.150 | Bronze |
This victory was the culmination of months of rigorous training, strategic planning, and careful preparation with her coaching staff. The combination of high execution and difficulty scores reflects both her physical prowess and mental resilience—a hallmark of top-tier gymnasts.
The Atmosphere: A Thrilling Gymnastics Showcase
The Nongprue Municipality Sport Complex was a hub of excitement and energy. Fans from across Southeast Asia filled the arena, creating a classic SEA Games atmosphere. The air was charged with anticipation, with each rotation, twist, and landing drawing audible gasps and cheers from the crowd.
As Aleah Finnegan prepared for her vaults, the audience fell silent—a collective acknowledgment of the gravity of the moment. Every movement was met with intense scrutiny and admiration, from the explosive spring off the runway to the impeccable landings. When her final score flashed on the scoreboard, confirming her gold medal, the venue erupted in applause, a fitting recognition of her precision, dedication, and focus.
Significance for Philippine Gymnastics: A Golden Era Continues
Aleah Finnegan’s gold medal is more than an individual triumph—it symbolizes the rising trajectory of Philippine gymnastics. The sport has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, fueled by the international success of athletes like Carlos Yulo and the emergence of new talents like Finnegan.
Her victory at the 2025 SEA Games vault final adds momentum to the Philippines’ gymnastics program, highlighting both its depth and potential. This achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring gymnasts nationwide, proving that disciplined training, dedication, and access to quality coaching can lead to world-class results.
Moreover, the win reinforces the Philippines’ growing reputation as a regional powerhouse in gymnastics. As the country continues to participate in larger continental and international competitions, performances like Aleah Finnegan’s provide critical confidence and experience for athletes and coaches alike.
Picture by REUTERS
Philippines Medal Tally Update
Finnegan’s vault gold is one of several medals the Philippines has secured so far at the 2025 SEA Games. As of this report, the nation’s total stands at 33 medals:
5 Gold • 7 Silver • 21 Bronze
Her contribution has been key in maintaining the Philippines’ competitive position in the overall SEA Games standings, demonstrating the importance of gymnastics to the country’s medal prospects.
Expert Analysis: Consistency, Composure, and Class
Sports analysts and coaches noted Aleah Finnegan’s remarkable ability to perform under pressure.
“Aleah Finnegan demonstrated incredible composure,” said a team official. “Landing two difficult vaults back-to-back in a final requires a strong mindset. She is consistent, technically brilliant, and a true champion for the Philippines.”
Her performance is a testament to the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, whose continued investment in world-class coaching, facilities, and athlete development has produced elite performers capable of competing at the highest level.
Looking Ahead: More Medals in Sight
With the women’s vault gold medal secured, Finnegan’s 2025 SEA Games journey is far from over. She is scheduled to compete in other apparatus finals, including the uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. Expectations are high that she will add more medals to her personal haul and the national tally.
The momentum from her vault victory is likely to fuel her performance in the coming days, giving her confidence to execute other high-difficulty routines with precision and composure. Her continued success will be crucial as the Philippines seeks to strengthen its position in the overall medal standings.
The Broader Impact: Inspiring the Next Generation
Aleah Finnegan’s victory resonates beyond the competition arena. For young Filipino gymnasts and sports enthusiasts, her performance is a source of inspiration. It shows that with determination, discipline, and proper guidance, world-class success is achievable. Her achievements help cultivate a new generation of athletes who aspire to represent the Philippines on regional and global stages.
Juan Sports Coverage: Stay Updated
Juan Sports will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the 2025 SEA Games, including in-depth analysis, highlights, and updates on the Philippines’ performance. As the Games progress in Bangkok and Chonburi, readers can follow Aleah Finnegan’s journey and the nation’s pursuit of excellence across all sporting disciplines.
Aleah Finnegan’s golden moment in the women’s vault final is more than a medal—it is a shining display of skill, determination, and national pride, placing Philippine gymnastics firmly in the spotlight on the regional stage.
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