Representing your nation on the grandest stage? That’s the ultimate dream for any athlete! But when your achievements resonate so deeply that your hometown feels like part of your journey, that’s something special. Just ask 16-year-old Hezly Rivera, who made waves as the youngest member of the U.S. gymnastics delegation at the Paris Olympics, proudly part of the “Golden Girls” squad alongside phenoms like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey. Oradell, the charming borough in Bergen County, couldn’t be prouder of their rising star!

Olympians returning home to a hero’s welcome isn’t unheard of. But being honored with a whole day to remember you by is a special kind of nod of the hat, and Hezly Rivera is now a proud member of the elite club, much like her Team USA Olympic all-around queens Biles and Lee.

Hezly Rivera gets her name etched in gold in Oradell

The official USA Gymnastics account took to X on October 6 to share news of the 16-year-old Team USA member’s latest milestone. “GOLDEN GIRL,” reads the emphatic caption of the post as it unveiled several images from the special day. According to the post, Oradell, the New Jersey borough, held a lavish parade in honor of Hezly Rivera for her golden achievement in Paris at the 33rd Olympic Games. But that wasn’t the only highlight of the jubilant event.

“The city also proclaimed that October 6th is officially Hezly Day in Oradell!” notes the post, and Rivera’s fans will be feeling the elation among themselves as well. In the qualification round at the Olympics, Hezly Rivera showcased her skills on the uneven bars and balance beam. While she didn’t compete in the team final, she still snagged a gold medal as her squad clinched first place and rightfully deserved this hero’s welcome! The images that accompany the post show a beaming Rivera, who seems to be overwhelmed by emotions as her native city bestows this incredibly prestigious distinction upon her. With that, Hezly Rivera is now part of a club that very few have entry into.

The 16-year-old joins the same league of powerhouses like Simone Biles and Suni Lee

For Simone Biles, her first-ever stint at the Olympic Games was an affair to remember. At the Rio Games, the Texan bagged five medals, four of them being gold. Naturally, Biles was throttled to international fame overnight, and for good reason. To commemorate her epic journey, the people of Houston went all-out. Sylvester Turner, the then Mayor of Houston, proclaimed August 24 as “Simone Biles Day” and stated, “You (Biles) have inspired kids all over the globe and I commend you for it.”

The most decorated gymnast of all time’s mother, Nellie Biles, was also overwhelmed by the love showered upon Simone. “Say thanks, because without you guys – without my village – I do not think that Simone would be able to achieve what she did because we needed the support,” said Nellie. Suni Lee, the national teammate of both Biles and Hezly Rivera and the 2020 Olympic AA gold medalist, was also endowed with a similar privilege.

The Governor of Minnesota, the native town of Lee, proclaimed July 30, 2021, as Sunisa Lee Day after the Auburn star’s successful trip to Tokyo three years ago. The history-making Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo was also given the same honor after becoming the first male Olympic medalist from the country. Manila officially announced August 4 as Carlos Yulo Day and the gymnastics prodigy was elated. Who would you like to see get entry to the prestigious group next? Tell us with a comment!