“So Proud”: Olivia Dunne’s Mother Unearths Special Moment With Hezly Rivera As 16-Year-Old Gymnast Punches Paris Olympics Ticket

Though numerous wrestling programs exist in the USA, the elite of gymnastics often form tight-knit circles. Thus, it’s unsurprising that Olivia Dunne, a pivotal member of LSU Tigers’ historic NCAA championship-winning team, has a close bond with 16-year-old Hezly Rivera, who has earned her first Olympic team berth. Their connection extends back to headlining the GK US Classics in Ohio in 2018 and even to childhood, as Dunne’s mother reveals.

In a heartening post, Olivia’s mother has shared a touching moment between her daughter and rising star Hezly Rivera. Rivera, at just 16 years old, has secured a place at the Paris Olympics. This story not only underscores the strong gymnastics community bonds but also celebrates Hezly Rivera’s remarkable journey to Olympic glory.

Olivia Dunne’s mother celebrates Hezly Rivera’s Olympic achievement

In a recent Instagram story, Katherine Patterson Dunne, mother of gymnast Olivia Dunne, shared a heartwarming discovery: a priceless photo capturing a young Olivia in a blue leotard alongside an even younger Hezly Rivera in pink, posing together. The image was accompanied by Kat’s heartfelt caption, “Congratulations Hezly!! We are so proud of you 👏”. This touching moment was shared just a day after Hezly Rivera’s remarkable performance at the US Olympic team trials. There she secured her spot on the 2024 Olympics team, stunning the nation with her talent and determination.

At Target Center in Minneapolis, Rivera tied for first place in both the uneven bars and balance beam events. She scored 14.300 and 14.275 in them respectively. Her lowest score across the two days of the trials was 13.700. Her competence across all 4 events had the nation’s eyes glued to the screen. Rivera trains at the coveted WOGA gymnastics and is coached by Valeri and Anna Liukin. She will be joining Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles on the team heading to Paris. On the other hand, Olivia Dunne has not yet confirmed her return to another year at LSU.

The Tigers member seems to be enjoying her time off as she supports her boyfriend and NBA player Paul Skenes who’s playing a league as part of the Pittsburgh Pirates. As well as vacationing across Mexico and the Hamptons, getting some much needed rest. She was recently seen in an advert alongside Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce for a new energy drink called Accelerator. On the personal format, Dunne celebrated her pup Roux’s 1st birthday with a colorful cake and a purple hat. Probably a nod to the official LSU colors. As Rivera prepares for her Olympic debut, Dunne’s influence continues to shape her journey, showcasing the power of mentorship in gymnastics.

Hezly Rivera’s rise to gymnastics stardom 

Rivera’s junior career in gymnastics started just two years back in 2022. That year she competed in the Winter Cup to place AA 8th and 11th on the vaults as well as 6th on the bars and balance beam. She was also part of the USA team at DTB Pokal Cup which won a gold medal in Stuttgart. At the 2022 US Classics and National Championships she placed 4th and 6th in the all-around category respectively. She even won the balance beam category at the Classics. By 2023, Rivera could be considered a seasoned athlete. She won the Winter Cup with a score of 53.350, placing first in both the balance beam and floor exercise events.

This win aided Hezly to be a part of the Junior World Championships team which eventually won silver. Though a fall in the vault rotation kept her from qualifying to the AA, she won a silver in the floor exercise. Additionally, in this year’s Winter Cup which marked her first senior Championship, she came 3rd after Skye Blakely and Kayla DiCello with a 54.000 at the City of Jesolo Trophy in Italy, she was a key part of the USA team that won bronze. At the Core Hydration Classics and Xfinity Games she placed 24th and 6th in the all-around respectively. Now with a 111.15 score on the leaderboard of the trials, Rivera is more than ready to make the USA proud in Paris.