Olympic Gymnast Hezly Rivera Returns to Competition with Renewed Confidence
Henderson, Nevada – After recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined her from the World Championships, Olympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera is back and feeling stronger than ever. The 17-year-old gymnast told GymCastic she’s “feeling a lot more confident” in her routines, focusing on fundamentals and taking things “one skill at a time.” Rivera recently competed at the 2026 American Cup, where she helped Team USA secure a silver medal and participated in the debut of a new mixed team event set to feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Despite missing out on Worlds, Rivera remains a key figure for the U.S. Team, having won the U.S. All-around title last August.
Hezly Rivera’s Confidence Soars After Injury Reset, Eyes LA28 Dominance
After missing out on last year’s World Championships, U.S. Gymnast Hezly Rivera has reset her focus and is feeling more confident than ever.
Olympic Gold Medalist Finds New Strength
“I’ve been feeling a lot more confident in my gymnastics recently,” the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist told GymCastic last week as she made her return to international competition at the 2026 American Cup in Henderson, Nevada.
“After the injury, I think mentally was the biggest part,” Rivera explained. “I felt really confident in my routines coming back because I was just really focusing on basics and little details in my technique.”
Now, going into competitions, she takes things one skill at a time and avoids getting overwhelmed before her routine.
From U.S. Champion to Team Leader
Last August, the 17-year-old won her first U.S. All-around title, solidifying her position as a leader within the U.S. Women’s gymnastics program, a team that has consistently dominated the sport for nearly two decades.
Just days before the U.S. Was set to announce its World Championships squad, an ankle injury forced Rivera to withdraw from the competition.
Undeterred, she swiftly returned to form, claiming the Winter Cup all-around title last month.
Silver at American Cup, New Mixed Team Format
That performance secured her a spot at the American Cup, where she contributed to the U.S. Team’s silver medal in the innovative mixed team event, a format set to debut at the Olympic Games LA28 in just over two years’ time.
Rivera, alongside fellow Olympic medallist Asher Hong, delivered strong performances, hitting a 13.400 on the balance beam and a 13.600 on the floor exercise.
More than the competitive results, Rivera expressed her enjoyment of the new mixed team format.
“It’s very different competing with the boys,” she told reporters afterward. “But I think it’s something that’s really fun and I’m looking forward to it in the future.”
Did you know?
Hezly Rivera was the youngest athlete representing Team USA across all sports at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The Rise of Rivera: A Career in Progress
Born on June 4, 2008, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Rivera began gymnastics at the age of five after attending a friend’s birthday party at a gymnastics facility.
Currently residing in Plano, Texas, she trains at WOGA Gymnastics under the guidance of head coach Valeri Liukin and Anna Liukin.
She attends Connection Academy High School, balancing her rigorous training schedule with her education.
Rivera’s career highlights include being a 2026 American Cup mixed team silver medalist, the 2026 Winter Cup all-around, balance beam, and floor exercise champion, and the uneven bars silver medalist.
She is likewise the 2025 U.S. All-around, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise champion, and the 2024 Winter Cup balance beam champion, earning bronze medals in the all-around and floor exercise.
Pro Tip
Mental fortitude is crucial in gymnastics. Focusing on the basics and breaking down routines into smaller, manageable skills can significantly boost confidence and performance.
FAQ
- What is Hezly Rivera’s age? She is currently 17 years old (as of March 13, 2026).
- Where does Hezly Rivera train? She trains at WOGA Gymnastics in Plano, Texas.
- What were Hezly Rivera’s results at the 2026 American Cup? She helped the U.S. Team win a silver medal in the mixed team event.
- What is Hezly Rivera’s favorite event? Bars.
What are your thoughts on Hezly Rivera’s comeback and potential for future success? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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