From Underdog to Olympic Glory: The Rise of Hezly Rivera

Hezly Rivera, a 16-year-old gymnast, unexpectedly joins the U.S. Olympic team alongside Simone Biles. A self-proclaimed 'underdog,' Rivera excelled in the U.S. Olympic trials despite a shaky start earlier this year. Her determination and performance earned her a spot in the five-woman team, set to compete in Paris.

Hezly Rivera planned to spend a significant portion of this summer learning how to drive. However, the 16-year-old has had to postpone those driving lessons because she's joining Simone Biles on the U.S. gymnastics team at the Olympics instead.

Rivera, a self-proclaimed 'underdog,' had an impressive run at the U.S. Olympic trials, earning her spot on the five-woman team. Despite a rocky start this year, she clinched high positions in key events, finishing fifth in the all-around and tying for the top score on beam.

Her journey to the Olympics wasn't easy. Rivera finished a distant 24th at the U.S. Classic in mid-May but dug deep and improved dramatically. By the trials, she was ready. Her dedication paid off as she received the call to join a team heavily favored to top the podium in Paris. The young gymnast's arrival injects youth into the oldest U.S. women's Olympic gymnastics team to date, featuring veterans like Biles and reigning Olympic champion Sunisa Lee.

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