As the dust settled on the 2024 Olympic gymnastics trials, some of the nation’s favorite gymnasts like Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, and Jordan Chiles earned their ticket to Paris in Minneapolis. However, before the event, few would’ve counted 16-year-old Hezly Rivera would be among the five Paris-bound athletes representing Team USA. That’s because the younger talent outshined veterans like Joscelyn Roberson to earn her place in the team.

During the post-event press conference, Simone Biles couldn’t stop raving about her 16-year-old teammate when a reporter asked her about Hezly Rivera. However, besides praising her skills and prodigious performance, Biles’s statement put the young gymnast’s achievement into perspective. The 27-year-old expressed her surprise because Rivera is so young she can’t even drive.

America is the land of cars, and even a trip to a grocery might require you to drive to the location. Yet, this 16-year-old gymnast defeated Olympians in the quest to realize her Paris Olympic dreams. “Yeah, we’re definitely gonna guide her through the ropes. We’ve been there before, we’ve done it… She’s young, man! She can’t even drive!” exclaimed Biles when asked about how the team will the rookie Olympian improve.

“Can we teach her how to drive before she gets to Paris? Like geez!” added Biles as the room filled with laughter. The 7x Olympic medalist heaped praise on her youngest teammate. “She’s so cute, she’s so smart. She’s beautiful. We’re really proud of her for making this team,” said the most decorated gymnast in the world. Simone Biles ended her statement with a message that’s sure to inspire young Rivera.

“She doesn’t have to do it alone. She has for veterans who have been there before,” said Biles indicating the Team USA has already aced their bonding. However, those following Rivera may not have been surprised by her 111.150 total at the Olympic trails.

Rise of the underdog

Although some skeptics may still frown at Simone Biles showering praise on the young gymnast, Hezly Rivera has been climbing up the ranks in 2023. Coached by 5x Olympic medalist Nastia Liukin’s parents, Valeri and Anna Liukin, the young prodigy broke the 100-point total barrier at the 2023 Xfinity Games. She 104.750 last year and retained her momentum at the Winter Championships.

At this year’s Xfinity Games Rivera was still 15, when she finished fifth all-around with 110.35 points. The New Jersey native turned 16 on June 2nd and now she is headed to Paris. Besides supportive veterans like Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, and others, Hezly Rivera will also have her indomitable will to learn from mistakes to rely on.