Users Say ‘It’s Not Fair’ Gymnast Hezly Rivera, 16, Won’t Compete in Team Finals at Olympics 2024 — Why Was She Removed?
ArchiveFirst published August 1, 2024. It may not reflect later developments.
Hezly “Hez” Rivera, born June 4, 2008, in Hackensack, NJ, moved with her family to Plano, TX, in 2021 to train at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA). She discovered her talent at a friend’s birthday party, where coaches spotted her skills. Her father, Henry Rivera, recalled, “All she ever wanted to do was be in the gym.”
Hezly started her gymnastics career at ENA Gymnastics and was homeschooled to focus on training. In 2021, she joined WOGA, training under Valeri Liukin. Her hard work paid off when she placed third at the 2024 Winter Cup and sixth at the National Championships, qualifying her for the Olympic trials. “I just went out there and gave it my ‘normal,’ because that is good enough,” she said.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Hezly was the youngest competitor for Team USA. Despite her efforts, she didn’t make the finals due to lower scores in the qualifiers. Fans expressed support, with one saying, “She earned her spot and will always be an Olympian!”
Hezly represented both the US and the Dominican Republic, saying, “I’m very proud to be Latina and American.” Her family, particularly her father and older sister Carhelis, played a significant role in her journey. Despite not competing in the finals, Hezly remained a vital part of her team, which won the gold medal.
