Her triumph was carried by her faith.

Sixteen-year-old gymnast Hezly Rivera expressed her gratitude to God and quoted an Old Testament verse following the U.S. women’s gymnastics team’s gold medal win in Paris, which marked the country’s 3,000th Olympic medal. As the youngest U.S. Olympic athlete since Kerri Strug, Rivera joined the team alongside Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, and Sunisa Lee. Rivera has openly shared how her faith has bolstered her gymnastics career.

Although Rivera did not compete in the floor exercise finals, she was instrumental in the team’s success. She made her Olympic debut in the preliminary rounds, competing on the uneven bars and beam, though her scores did not advance her to individual events. Despite this, Rivera remained supportive and proud of her teammates’ achievements. Her parents also expressed their pride and unwavering support for her efforts.

To further her gymnastics career, Rivera’s family moved from New Jersey to Texas, where she trained at the prestigious WOGA Gymnastics Academy. Her father, Henry Rivera, highlighted the significance of her achievement as the youngest team member and expressed optimism about her future prospects. Rivera often shares her faith on social media, posting inspirational scriptures that provide her with strength.

Simone Biles, a key team member, described the Paris Olympics as a “redemption tour” following the U.S. team’s silver medal in Tokyo in 2021. Despite dealing with a calf injury, Biles excelled in the floor and vault events, showcasing her resilience and critical role in the team’s victory. Sunisa Lee also delivered outstanding performances, particularly on the bars and beam.

The achievements of Rivera, Biles, and Lee underscore the strength and unity of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. As Biles and Lee prepare for their individual all-around events, the team’s collective effort and mutual support highlight their dedication and hard work. Rivera’s journey, marked by faith and determination, indicates a promising future in gymnastics.

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