Sixteen-year-old gymnast Hezly Rivera expressed gratitude to God and referenced an Old Testament verse after the United States women’s gymnastics team won the gold medal this week in Paris. This victory marked a significant milestone, making the U.S. the first country to record 3,000 medals in Olympic history.
Rivera, the youngest athlete on a U.S. Olympic team across all sports since Kerri Strug in 1992, has openly shared how her Christian faith has supported her gymnastics journey. Her historic achievement and spiritual dedication have highlighted her growth and determination on the mat, contributing to the team’s remarkable success.
“Olympic gold medalist. Couldn’t be more thankful and super proud of this team,” Rivera shared on her personal Instagram on Tuesday after the team secured the gold.
The passage Isaiah 40:31 reads, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
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New Jersey native Hezly Rivera earned a gold medal for the U.S. women’s gymnastics team despite not participating in the floor competition during the finals on Tuesday.
Rivera made her Olympic debut on Sunday, competing in the uneven bars and beam during the preliminary round, scoring 13.900 and 12.633 respectively, and placing 26th overall. Her scores were not enough to qualify for any individual events, marking the first time since 2008 that a U.S. women’s gymnastics team member did not compete in the team final. Despite this, Rivera expressed happiness for her teammates and remains hopeful for what’s next on the horizon.
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“This was just an amazing experience, you know, and just being with the team and supporting them meant the world to me,” Rivera said to the media.
“It was so surreal. I was just everywhere; my mind was everywhere. But I’m so happy to be here and this team has worked so hard, so I’m so proud of each and every one of us.”
Rivera’s parents highlighted their immense pride in her achievements in an interview with NBC 5, noting that making the Olympic team is a significant accomplishment, especially as the youngest athlete among all competitors. The family emphasized that this milestone is something that will always be a part of Rivera’s legacy.
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