The teenager competed at trials like she had nothing to lose, and now she’s joining the oldest, most decorated U.S. women’s gymnastics squad in history at this summer's Games.
When the Tokyo Olympics took place in the summer of 2021, Hezly Rivera was still in middle school. Just over two years ago, in March 2022, she competed at her first international event, in Stuttgart, Germany. Last August, she was still competing on the junior level. Her first meet at the senior level was the 2024 Winter Cup in February.
It’s an incredible moment for the New Jersey native, but was no sure thing. While the other four members of the team were nearly locked into their spots ahead of the final day of U.S. trials on Sunday, the fifth position was wide open. In the days before and during trials, three top contenders—Skye Blakely, 19; Shilese Jones, 21; and Kayla DiCello, 20—all suffered injuries and had to drop out of the competition. That opened the door for a lesser-known talent to step up.
“My mentality was that I had nothing to lose, so I just went out there and did my best, gave it my all, most importantly,” Rivera said,Rivera grew up in Oradell, N.J. and trained under Maggie Haney, who coached Laurie Hernandez of “Final Five” fame. Rivera’s family moved to Texas, where she entered the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy to train under Valeri Liukin, Nastia’s father.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
16-year-old Plano resident Hezly Rivera secures trip to Olympics at U.S. gymnastics trialsRivera will join Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles in Paris.
Baca lebih lajut »
Plano's Hezly Rivera becomes youngest member of Team USANorth Texan Hezly Rivera will be the youngest member of Team USA in 2024
Baca lebih lajut »
‘She can’t even drive’: Gymnast Hezly Rivera, 16, is headed to ParisBy keeping her cool in the biggest meet of her life, the gymnast showed the skills that made her the right fit on a team with four Olympic veterans.
Baca lebih lajut »
Gymnast Hezly Rivera, the youngest Olympics-bound member of Team USA, trains in North TexasWhy Auburn will win more games in 2024 - Auburn Tigers Podcast
Baca lebih lajut »
Plano's Hezly Rivera becomes youngest member of Team USA headed to Paris OlympicsNorth Texan Hezly Rivera will be the youngest member of Team USA in 2024
Baca lebih lajut »
Hezly Rivera joins veterans on U.S. women's gymnastics squad headed to ParisSimone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey and 16-year-old newcomer Hezly Rivera are officially headed to Paris on Team USA for the Summer Olympics after impressive performances at trials.
Baca lebih lajut »