Hezly Rivera has made quite a splash in gymnastics over the past year. Just a year ago, she was the youngest U.S. Olympian in Paris. Now, she’s celebrating as the all-around national champion. Rivera scored an impressive 112 points across two nights in New Orleans, edging out Leanne Wong, a seasoned gymnast and Olympic alternate, by just eight-tenths of a point.
During the competition, Rivera felt the pressure. “I knew it was close before I went on the floor,” she told NBC Sports. She focused on trusting her training and let her skills shine, scoring the highest floor exercise marks of the night.
At only 17, Rivera’s accomplishments stand out. She’s the youngest U.S. all-around champion since Ragan Smith in 2017. She also made history as the first woman to win junior and senior all-around titles since Jordyn Wieber. Moreover, she’s among a select group of six American women since 2000 to win an Olympic gold and a national championship title.
This past season has been a rollercoaster for Rivera. After her Olympic performance, which included competing on the uneven bars and balance beam, she faced tough challenges, such as placing 24th at the U.S. Classic shortly after her grandmother passed away. Nonetheless, she rose to the occasion, finishing sixth in her senior U.S. Championships debut and fifth at the Olympic Trials, eventually securing her spot on the Olympic team.
Despite her impressive accolades, Rivera remains humble and focused. “I achieved my dreams, but I still have more goals,” she said. She keeps her Olympic journey in the back of her mind as she trains.
The upcoming events promise to test her skills further. In October, she and three others will compete in the World Championships in Jakarta, focusing on individual events. The all-around winner at the selection event will automatically join the team, while a committee will select the others based on performances from previous competitions.
Another standout at the championships was Skye Blakely. After an Achilles injury sidelined her for much of the last year, she wowed the audience on the beam and bars, scoring top marks. Blakely spoke about her journey of motivation and growth, saying, “I have high expectations, and I’m learning to dig deep and find that fire within myself.”
It’s clear that both Rivera and Blakely embody resilience. Their perseverance in the face of challenges not only inspires fellow athletes but also fans around the world.
As gymnastics continues to capture attention, these young stars remind us that determination and hard work can lead to remarkable achievements.
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