In Pictures: Aleah Finnegan turns heads in mini black dress ahead of LSU Tigers' 2025 season

Aleah Finnegan showed off her glammed-up look in a black dress and dainty jewelry, topped up with bright red lipstick, ahead of her 2025 NCAA season. The 21-year-old qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics after posting impressive scores at the 2023 World Championships but couldn't earn a podium finish in the former event.

The Filipino-American gymnast represented the United States (birth nation) from 2019 to 2021 in international competitions but entered the Paris Olympics as part of the Philippines team. Her qualification at the 2024 Games made her the first Filipina gymnast to achieve so in 60 years after Evelyn Magluyan competed at the 1964 Summer Games.

Now, as the successful year nears an end, the Filipino-American posted a carousel of pictures, donning a black outfit paired with subtle jewelry. The gymnast also posed with fellow Filipino-American, Emma Malabuyo.

Finnegan's caption read:

"Sit & stay a while."

Aleah Finnegan beamed with pride after performing on the global stage on her Games debut in Paris.

"Today, all my little girl dreams came true! An Olympian for life. I truly enjoyed every single second of today’s competition,” she said despite not making her way to the finals. (via LSU Sports)

She added:

"Representing the Philippines at the Olympics is so special, no matter the outcome. These are the moments I’ll carry for the rest of my life."

The gymnast's history-making moment in the French capital came after she made big waves at the NCAA level. A gymnast of the LSU Tigers team since 2022, Finnegan scored 9.9625 to clinch the national floor title, advancing the LSU team to the 2024 NCAA finals. She then contributed to the balance beam scores to anchor the Tigers team to its first National title in program history.

Aleah Finnegan on how it feels to represent the Philippines in international competitions

Aleah Finnegan after her win at the 2024 NCAA Division I Women's Gymnastics Championships - (Source: Getty)

Since Finnegan's mother hails from the Philippines, she takes pride in representing her mother on the global stage.

"Each time I represent the Philippines, I really take it as an opportunity to represent my mom. To thank her, in a way, for all of her support and hard work," the Lee's Summit told MEGA Active.

She also shared how her family held the Summer Games close to their hearts, and also how her qualification made her emotional.

"I think I cried so much during the trip because the Olympics is something that my family holds near and dear to our hearts. It was such an honor to wear these colors and wear the Filipino flag on my chest, especially on the world’s highest stage. It’s something I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.”

Aleah Finnegan competed at the 2021 US Championships, where she finished 23rd in the all-around but failed to qualify for the Olympic trials that year.