
For sixteen-year-old Hezley Rivera, who in the span of one weekend moved from rising star to teammate of the reigning Olympic medalists heading to Paris, the moment has still not fully dawned on her.
The newest and youngest member of the American women’s gymnastics team at the Olympics was chosen to join a team that was loaded with international recognition and medals.
In an interview that aired Monday morning, Rivera said to NBC’s “TODAY” show, “Yeah, it feels so surreal.” “It still amazes me that I’m here at this moment. Simply said, all of my effort has paid off. I can’t wait to compete for Team USA in the Olympics.
Making the squad, according to Rivera, who turned 16 on June 4, was a long-term objective.
“I’ve been dreaming of being on the Olympic team since I was eight years old, so I’m really happy to be here,” she added.
Rivera does not yet have a driver’s license, so someone will need to bring her to the airport, according to teammate Simone Biles.
“She looks so little. Not even able to drive! Before we travel to Paris, should we educate her on how to drive?” On Sunday night, Biles made jokes.
The selection committee was well aware of Rivera going into this past weekend in Minneapolis and publicly discussed her possibilities for the Olympics, both for Los Angeles in 2028 and maybe as a backup location to Paris.
The strategic lead at USA Gymnastics and 2008 Olympic silver medalist Alicia Sacramone Quinn stated that Rivera had “had their eye” by the selection committee for that future window of opportunity.
The selection committee’s chair, Quinn, stated that she was impressed with Rivera’s composed attitude during the weekend.
Quinn remarked on Sunday, “I asked her, ‘Are you nervous?’ before [the meet.” “No, you look nice, by the way,” she says. Although I was grateful, I was really pleased with her mannerisms.
“She is consistently very composed and, for a 16-year-old, she is simply so mature,” Quinn continued.
It looked exceedingly unlikely that Rivera would finish in fifth place with Tokyo veterans Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey still at the peak of their game.
However, Rivera took advantage of her Paris opportunity and forced the matter all weekend after Olympic contenders Shilese Jones, Kayla Dicello, and Skye Blakely had injuries during the trials.
Overall, Rivera gave a great performance, especially on the uneven bars and beam, when Team USA was suddenly thin on depth following the spate of injuries over the weekend.
Rivera said that she went into the competition like any other weekend at the gym and that she didn’t feel under any pressure.
In Minneapolis late on Sunday night, she told reporters, “I approached it like any other meet, going about my business and essentially doing the same thing I do in the gym.” “It’s just the beam or me and the bars right now.”
Reducing any anxiety was also aided by entering Minneapolis as a long shot.
She remarked, “I feel like the underdog.” Positively, I don’t think I was under as much pressure. It is incredibly satisfying to pursue my own interests.
The Olympic novice stated that she will primarily rely on the guidance of her more seasoned comrades.
The Texas native Rivera, who was raised in New Jersey, stated, “They’ve already been through it.” They have experienced the voyage and attended the Olympic Games. They have experienced pressure. They can really mentor and assist me, I believe.
Rivera expressed her gratitude to her family, friends, and teammates, particularly her father Henry Rivera.
The Dominican Republic immigrant was captured on camera beaming with happiness when his daughter’s name was called Sunday night at Target Center.
He was dubbed “the best dad in the whole world” by Rivera.
She remarked, “He’s been there for me from the beginning, always encouraging me since I was little.” It’s been very incredible to have a father like him. He is my rock and my hero. He constantly challenges me to perform to the best of my abilities and is reassuring at difficult times.
On July 28, the women’s gymnastics competition in Paris will begin.