Sports
07.02.24 at 3:15 pm
Hezly Rivera, the 16-year-old gymnast from Hackensack, New Jersey, is making her way to Paris as part of Team USA’s five-women Olympic team. With the Summer Olympics kicking off on July 26th and gymnastics competitions starting on July 27th, all eyes are on Rivera.
An Unexpected Journey
Rivera wasn’t necessarily a favorite to make the team. Entering the Olympics gymnastics trials as an underdog, she showcased a cool demeanor and delivered standout performances. Injuries to top gymnasts like Shilese Jones, Sky Blakely, and Kayla DiCello created an opening that Rivera seized with impressive skill.
I know that anything is possible, so if I keep working hard in the gym, I know I can achieve anything. My family made the commitment to come here and move here so I could train, said Rivera.
Strong Performances Lead to Selection
Biles earned the only automatic berth from finishing first in the trials, while the other four spots were committee selections. With a strong performance in bars and beam, scoring no less than 13.700 in each event, Rivera made a compelling case for herself.
A Wealth of Talent on Team USA
Rivera will be joining names like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles. It’s a team filled with champions; Biles is a reigning All-Around Champion, Lee is an Olympic floor gold medalist, Carey holds an Olympic team silver medal, and Chiles has her own share of accolades.
She can’t even drive. Should we teach her how to drive before she gets to Paris? Jeez! She’s so young. She’s so cute. She’s so smart. She’s beautiful. We’re really proud of her for making this team, and we’re really excited to kind of show her the ropes, said Biles about Rivera.
At just 16 years old, Rivera is the youngest member across all sports representing Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games.
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