Aleah Finnegan reaffirmed her place at the top of Southeast Asian women’s gymnastics after ruling the vault final of the 33rd SEA Games on Thursday at Thammasat University’s Gymnasium 5 in Pathum Thani.

The Paris Olympian posted a 13.433 to clinch her second SEA Games vault crown, edging Vietnam’s Thi Quynh Nhu Nguyen and Malaysia’s Kang Xian Yeap in a tight finish.

Finnegan said the victory carried deep personal meaning, noting that she overcame several off-the-floor challenges leading into the event. She added that her faith sustained her throughout the preparations and competition.

Score mix-up causes tense delay before gold is confirmed

A moment of confusion followed Finnegan’s routine when officials flashed an incorrect score on the screen, prompting nearly half an hour of review.

The American-born Filipina admitted she grew anxious as her camp waited for clarification, but the judges eventually corrected the miscalculation and confirmed her as the champion.

Philippine gymnastics bags more medals in strong showing

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion said she was confident from the start that Finnegan’s vault was gold-worthy, adding that her team immediately requested a score check.

Haylee Garcia delivered silver in the uneven bars, while Justin Ace de Leon secured two bronzes in the floor exercise and rings to cap a productive day for the Philippines.