At the Paris 2024 Olympics, the intense competition between the USA and China saw the USA emerge victorious in the medal tally. Among the standout athletes was Hezly Rivera, who made history as the youngest member of Team USA.
At just 16 years old, Rivera competed in the women’s artistic gymnastics team event. Despite being the youngest by at least five years compared to her teammates, Rivera played a significant role in helping the team secure a gold medal. Her teammates included renowned gymnasts such as Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey. Together, they delivered a stellar performance, achieving a total score of 171.296 points and clinching the top spot in the team final.
Although Rivera did not compete in the individual finals for bars and beam, she was an integral part of the team’s success. The USA’s women’s team excelled in all four rotations of the event—vault, floor exercise, balance beam, and uneven bars—only facing substantial competition from Italy and Canada on the balance beam.
Rivera, who qualified through the US Olympic trials in Minnesota, became the youngest athlete on the US team. Her experience at the Paris Games, alongside celebrated gymnasts like Simone Biles, has set the stage for her future performances.
Looking ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Rivera, at 20 years old, will have gained substantial experience. Her impressive debut at the Paris Games has set high expectations for her future, with aspirations to continue breaking records and furthering her achievements in gymnastics.
