Hezly Rivera Joins U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team

Hezly Rivera, a 16-year-old gymnast from New Jersey, is making her Olympic debut as the youngest member of the U.S. women's gymnastics team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Rivera, who started gymnastics at the age of five, earned her spot by excelling in balance beam and uneven bars at the U.S. Olympic Trials. She joins a team of veterans including Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, and Jade Carey. Rivera is the youngest U.S. athlete in any sport at these Games and the only newcomer on her team. Her journey has been marked by hard work and the support of her family, and she aims to inspire other Latina athletes. Injuries to other top contenders helped pave the way for her inclusion on the team.