Young Star Shines Bright as US Gymnastics Team Eyes 2028 Olympics

Hezly Rivera, a 17-year-old gymnast from Texas, has sent a clear message to the world that she is a force to be reckoned with in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympics. The teenager won her first national title at the US Championships on Sunday, edging out Leanne Wong and securing her spot in the world championship selection camp next month.

Rivera’s polished performance was a testament to her hard work and dedication, which she credits to letting go of the pressure to perform. “I just took all pressure off myself,” she said. “I know that all the months I’ve been working hard will eventually show up.” Rivera’s confidence was evident throughout the competition, as she posted the top scores on three of the four events.

Wong, a four-time world championship medalist, was a close second, but Rivera’s consistency on all four events ultimately gave her the edge she needed to win. Wong, who is also a budding entrepreneur and pre-med student, was impressed by Rivera’s performance. “She looked so confident,” Wong said. “It gave me that confidence as well.” Wong’s own performance was impressive, as she started the competition with a stuck Cheng vault and didn’t relent over the course of two hours.

Joscelyn Roberson, an Olympic alternate last summer, also put in a strong performance, despite suffering an ankle injury during her floor routine. The 19-year-old’s grit and determination earned her a third-place finish, solidifying her position as one of the leaders of the next wave of American gymnasts. Roberson’s experience as Biles’ sidekick two summers ago has given her valuable insight into the sport, and she’s now passing that knowledge on to younger gymnasts. “I want to help them grow instead of think ‘I have to be perfect,’” she said.

As the US gymnastics team begins to take shape, it’s clear that the future is bright for the sport. With a new generation of talented gymnasts emerging, the pressure is on for the veterans to step up and lead the team to victory. Rivera, Wong, and Roberson are all poised to play key roles in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympics, and it will be exciting to see how they perform on the world stage.

The US Championships were a closely contested event, with several gymnasts pushing each other to new heights. Skye Blakely, who has been injured in the past, showed impressive form on the uneven bars and balance beam, putting herself in consideration to make the world team. Blakely’s performance was a testament to her hard work and dedication, which has allowed her to overcome previous injuries and injuries.

The US gymnastics team has a long road ahead of them, but with talented young gymnasts like Rivera, Wong, and Roberson leading the charge, the future looks bright. The team will now head to the world championships in Indonesia in October, where they’ll face off against the best gymnasts from around the world. With their newfound confidence and determination, the US team is ready to take on the challenge and make their mark on the world stage.