Before the start of the second day of the women’s competition at the U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials, it seemed like most of the five-person team was already decided. The top four spots in the all-around standings were claimed by Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey, who had all shown strong performances. However, with the Paris Olympics allowing for five-person teams in gymnastics events, there was still one spot up for grabs.
Three contenders who were expected to make the team – Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely, and Kayla DiCello – unfortunately had to withdraw from the trials due to injuries. This opened the door for Hezly Rivera, who managed to secure her spot on the team alongside the four seasoned veterans. The U.S. team final follows a “three up, three count” format, where three athletes compete on each apparatus and all three scores count. While Biles, Lee, Chiles, and Carey could fill the spots on each event, there were areas where they could use some improvement.
Rivera, the 2023 junior all-around national champion, made her senior elite debut earlier this year at just 16 years old. Despite limited international experience, she has shown promise and potential. Rivera’s strength lies in her routines on uneven bars and balance beam, with high difficulty scores that can contribute significantly to the team’s overall performance. Her scores at the trials, particularly on bars and beam, proved that she could deliver under pressure.
Having trained under respected coaches like Maggie Haney and Valeri Liukin, Rivera has honed her skills and developed her talent. While her vault and floor exercise may not be as strong as her bars and beam, she complements the team well, especially in areas where they may need a boost. In Paris, she is expected to compete on beam in the team final and provide backup for the bars lineup if needed.
Rivera’s journey from a junior gymnast to competing at the Olympic Trials is a remarkable achievement. Her dedication, skill, and ability to perform under pressure have earned her a well-deserved spot on the Olympic team. As she prepares to represent the U.S. in Paris, all eyes will be on Hezly Rivera and her contribution to the team’s quest for success.