Olympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera rallies to capture second straight U.S. women’s gymnastics title

PHOENIX (AP) — Hezly Rivera, once an anonymous face on the U.S. women’s Olympic gymnastics team, has emerged as a strong leader and is set to make history as she heads into the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. At the U.S. gymnastics championships, Rivera showcased her skills, winning her second consecutive national title with a score of 111.950, surpassing her closest competitor, Claire Pease.

Despite recovering from a hamstring injury sustained at the Pan Am Games in June, Rivera maintained her poise and professionalism throughout the competition. Her victory solidified her position as the leader of the sport's next wave, a role that she has embraced with enthusiasm. Rivera, a Texan, has expressed her comfort in taking on the leadership role and aims to inspire the younger generation of gymnasts.

During the event, Rivera faced a setback when she fell on uneven bars, but she quickly recovered and continued to perform gracefully on balance beam, securing a strong position heading into the final round. This resilience demonstrates her mental strength and determination, which have been crucial in her journey to the top. She is now focused on making her first world championship team, even though her hamstring is not fully healed.

Rivera's performance at the U.S. championships has set her up for success as she prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games.