The 2024 Paris Olympics were one of the best Sweet 16s for many American athletes. Quincy Wilson was the breakout star of the tournament, clinching his first Olympic gold along with becoming the youngest American gold medalist. But the track and field sensation wasn’t alone. From the women’s gymnastics team, one more 16-year-old had one of the best Olympic debuts of all time. This was none other than Hezly Rivera, who herself clinched a gold for herself.

In doing so, she joined some of the biggest gymnasts of this generation, like Simone Biles and Jade Carey. So much expectation rested on the shoulders of this brilliant gymnastics team. Their fans and loved ones had their fingers crossed that these girls would bring a gold medal, especially after the Tokyo Olympics missed. But where there’s expectation, there’s pressure.

But Rivera had some of the best to guide her during her time in Paris. And while Team USA eventually won the gold, Rivera didn’t forget to show how thankful she was to the veterans. Speaking to Inside Gymnastics on February 19, the 2023 US Junior National All-around Champion said, “They were always with me. You know? It was a really cool experience just being with all of those veterans helping me and guiding me for my first Olympics.”

Rivera also shows her admiration for Suni Lee, who acted like her mentor during her time in Paris.

Rivera, while praising Suni, continues, “She helped me not just inside the gym, but she also helped me outside of the gym to get my mind off of gymnastics.” Continuing how Suni helped her settle down, Rivera shared, “We would go to the dining hall, just walk around, grab something to eat, go to the grocery store, and get some coffee.”

But Suni did not just guide the young gymnast through her nerves. She was also like a friend and a companion. In fact, Rivera said, “We would just talk about life, and I could talk to her about anything. So, it was really nice to just get my feelings out and talk to somebody because this can be a very stressful time competing.” It is refreshing to see such a budding friendship between the two gymnasts.

But while Rivera has conquered the City of Love, the New Jersey native will be looking forward to something more.

Hezly has a new objective for 2025, with eyes on 2028

Rivera’s Paris dream had already come true, but Simone Biles and her teammates gave her an even better gift—something to remember forever. And now, building on that, Rivera is looking ahead to her next goal. The Winter Cup is an important event for budding gymnasts. The best performers get selected for the US gymnastics championships. For Hezly Rivera, it’s the next challenge to scale.

But that’s all.

She continued her terrific form last year when she won one more gold in balance beams and two bronzes in AA and floor. With such success, she will be no doubt sharpening her claws for the 2025 edition as well. And a funny coincidence: this edition is set to be in Lousiana, which is also the home of Rivera’s dream university, LSU. This might turn out to be her chance to impress the selectors for the Tigers.

But beyond the medals and the glory, she has also learned quite a few life lessons as well. While talking about the likes of Biles and Lee, she mentions, “Just looking back and seeing these amazing athletes go to multiple Olympic Games and World Championships really is pushing me, and I’m able to push my limits and see what I’m capable of.” This is truly a remarkable spirit from her.

It’s quite exhilarating to see someone so young as her looking forward to her future so much. Paris 2024 isn’t even a year behind and Rivera is already focused on LA 2028. She said, “Over the next four years, I would like to make the 2025 Worlds and 2026, 2027, and, obviously, the 2028 Olympics.“ Where this road for glory takes her is yet to be seen. But one thing is for sure: Hezly Rivera is just getting started.