Hezly Rivera’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering she was watching the Olympic gymnastics competition just a few years ago. Fast forward to 2024, and at only 16 years old, she found herself sharing the mat with gymnastics legends like Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, even earning a team gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics. While she didn’t qualify for any individual events, the experience was invaluable, launching her into the spotlight.
Since then, Rivera has kept busy with high school and participating in the Gold Over America Tour alongside her Team USA teammates. With the 2025 World Championships and the 2028 Olympics in mind, Rivera has set long-term goals while focusing on daily progress. She plans to continue growing and gaining experience in the sport, and her future looks bright.
One of the exciting developments is Rivera’s upcoming NCAA debut with Louisiana State University (LSU). Having committed to LSU in September 2024, Rivera expressed how the welcoming environment and family-like atmosphere of the coaching staff made the university the perfect fit for her. As she navigates balancing NCAA gymnastics with her elite aspirations, she may turn to her Olympic teammates like Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles for advice on handling the pressures of both worlds.
With big goals ahead and an exciting collegiate career in the making, fans can’t wait to see what Rivera achieves next in her gymnastics journey.