At just 17, Hezly Rivera is making waves, taking home the U.S. all-around gymnastics championship after an impressive showing in New Orleans. This young gymnast’s rise from the youngest Olympian on Team USA in Paris to national champion has caught the eye of fans and competitors alike.
Rivera scored a total of 112 points over two nights, edging out Leanne Wong by a slim margin of eight-tenths. Wong, a familiar name as a two-time Olympic alternate, wasn’t far behind, with Joscelyn Roberson—also from the Olympic trials—rounding out the podium in third. The competition was tight, but Rivera’s standout performance on the floor sealed the deal.
How Rivera clinched it with floor flair
Coming into the final rotation, Rivera was just two-tenths ahead of Wong. The pressure was on, and she knew it. “It’s a little bit nerve-racking,” she admitted after the event on NBC Sports. But she didn’t crack. Instead, she leaned on faith and practice, delivering a floor exercise score of 14.2—the highest of anyone across both nights.
It’s impressive when you consider the stakes. Rivera’s floor routine combined grace and power, earning her the gold in a field packed with talent. The way she handled the pressure spoke volumes about her maturity beyond her years. You could almost feel the weight of that moment, and she carried it with poise.
A year of remarkable progress and milestones
Just a year ago, Rivera was the youngest Olympian on the U.S. team at Paris 2024, competing alongside giants like Simone Biles and Suni Lee. Since then, she’s climbed steadily, turning heads with her determination and growth.
Here are some highlights:
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Youngest U.S. all-around champion since Ragan Smith in 2017.
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First woman to win both junior and senior U.S. all-around titles since Jordyn Wieber (2008 junior, 2011-12 senior).
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Sixth American woman since 2000 to pair Olympic gold with a national all-around title (joining the likes of Simone Biles, Shawn Johnson, and Nastia Liukin).
Her journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Early in the Olympic selection season, she placed 24th at the U.S. Classic—barely a week after losing her grandmother. Yet, she kept pushing, finishing sixth at the senior U.S. Championships and fifth at the Olympic Trials, even as injuries sidelined some seasoned gymnasts.
Rivera’s rookie year at the Olympics
Rivera made the cut as the sole rookie on the 2024 Olympic team, a major accomplishment for any athlete. She contributed on uneven bars and balance beam during the qualifying rounds in Paris, gaining invaluable experience on the world stage.
Her approach to training reflects a grounded mindset. “Every time in the gym, I don’t think that I went to the Olympics,” she shared recently. “I’m just kind of training like I’ve almost never been, in a way.” That hunger to keep improving, even after reaching such heights, sets her apart.
Beaming with promise and floor dominance
This championship wasn’t just a one-off win. Rivera consistently scored highest on both balance beam and floor exercises throughout the competition. Her technical skill, combined with artistic flair, captivated judges and audiences alike.
Her performance is reminiscent of other greats who have mastered these events, and her youth suggests there’s still room to grow. Watching her routines, it’s easy to see why many are calling her a rising star destined for a long, successful career.
What comes next for Rivera?
She’s already made history with her achievements. But Rivera’s story is far from over. She’s candid about wanting more, not resting on her Olympic laurels. Her focus now is on setting new goals and continuing to push her limits.
Given her track record, expect to see her name in future international competitions—and maybe even another Olympics. For now, though, she’s savoring the victory, proud of what she’s accomplished while ready to tackle whatever comes next.
A new chapter for U.S. gymnastics
Rivera’s rise signals a fresh wave of talent ready to take the spotlight. With veterans resting and recovering, young athletes like her are stepping up and showing they can compete—and win—at the highest levels.
Her journey resonates beyond medals and scores. It’s a story about resilience, faith, and the grit it takes to succeed. And at just 17, Hezly Rivera is already proving she belongs in the conversation with the sport’s greats.
