LA28 tops U.S. gymnastics phenom Hezly Rivera's list of unfinished business

PHOENIX — Hezly Rivera, a talented gymnast, has drawn a picture of the LA28 Olympics logo in her bedroom and aims to add the Olympic rings. While accomplished with an Olympic gold medal and a national title before her 18th birthday, Rivera still possesses "unfinished business" in her gymnastics career. She expressed her desire to win another team medal, achieve a medal in the all-around, and secure several individual medals at the Olympics.

Rivera is currently favored to win the all-around title at the U.S. gymnastics championships, which commence on Thursday. The event will take place from Friday to Sunday. Despite being considered a longshot to make the U.S. women's team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Rivera's age and circumstances led to her selection. She finished fifth in the all-around and tied for first on balance beam at trials, securing the fifth spot on the team.

Rivera's experience at the Paris Games proved beneficial, with Simone Biles and fellow Olympic champions Suni Lee, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, and Shilese Jones forming the team. Rivera credits Carey for helping her navigate the intense Olympic atmosphere. While her Paris teammates have returned to competition, Rivera has continued to impress, winning nationals last year and the all-around, balance beam, and floor exercise at the Winter Cup.

Rivera also secured gold at the Pan American Championships in June, though a hamstring injury limited her performance. Her ultimate goal remains the 2028 LA Olympics, the first Summer Games hosted in the United States since Atlanta in 1996. Rivera acknowledges that LA28 is on her mind but emphasizes the importance of taking things step by step and focusing on upcoming championships and world selection camp.