Hezly Rivera took the gymnastics world by storm and became the youngest gymnast to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Not only that, Hezly won a silver medal for his participation in the junior world championships in 2023, an Olympic gold medal in 2024, and became the junior all-around national title holder in 2023. She was a part of a star-studded 2024 Olympic team featuring veterans like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey.

Growing up in Oradell, near her birthplace in Hackensack, New Jersey, Hezly was only six when she began her gymnastics journey. She has often spoken about the sacrifices made by her family and how they have always rallied behind her. Before she flies off to France in a bid to win medals for the USA, let’s take a closer look at the family that has been her unwavering support system.

Who are Hezly Rivera’s parents?

Hezly Rivera was born to parents Henry Rivera and Heidy Ruiz. Henry, originally from the Dominican Republic, moved to the USA to pursue his education at Union Hill High School in New Jersey. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology in 2002. Henry is currently a senior director and testing engineer at Medidata Solutions, a Dassault Systèmes company. Hezly’s mother is Puerto Rican, and she gave birth to Hezly on June 4, 2008.

Rivera’s family is settled in New Jersey. Hezly Rivera’s parents are from the Dominican Republic and Hezly’s greatest supporters and admirers. One stance of Hezly Rivera’s dad is so heartfelt. During the final routine of qualifying, Hezly Rivera’s dad amusingly wore a cardiac monitor. Yep, you read it right.

Rivera competed on the uneven bars and balance beam as part of Team USA’s all-around competition qualifying. Rivera ended her day on the bars following a shaky performance on the beam. At that point, NBC made the wise broadcasting choice to have her father, Henry, undergo cardiac monitoring. The broadcast reveals that he was going through it while wearing the cardiac monitor during her uneven bars routine. As he sat nervously in his seat during her routine, his pulse rate peaked at an alarming 181 bpm.

The couple has encouraged her gymnastics aspirations ever since she was 6 years old and showed interest in the sport. The family has made many sacrifices to advance Hezly’s career. When her talent first became apparent, the family moved to Texas so Hezly could train in WOGA under the guidance of Valeri and Anna Liukin, who have an Olympian daughter themselves. Heidy Ruiz’s Facebook profile is full of pictures of Hezly Rivera on the mat, focused on her routine, clearly showcasing her admiration for her daughter.

Who are Hezly Rivera’s siblings?

Hezly Rivera has two siblings, one older sister, Carhelis, and her younger brother, Hanly. Carhelis works as a marketing consultant, while Hanly is still in school. Although Hezly’s siblings are not well-known, her father publicly expressed his admiration for Hezly’s younger brother, with whom he shares a love for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

He posted a carousel in which Henry can be seen hooting with Hanly for Lakers Nation. Hezly also shared a 2023 Christmas photo of the family, demonstrating how close she is to her brother and sister. And a sweet post on his brother’s birthday, calling him the joy and happiness of my life.

Where did Hezly Rivera grow up?

Born and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey, Hezly Rivera relocated to Texas in 2021 to attend the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy. Sometimes the stars align, as demonstrated by Rivera’s beginning story in the sport. When she was five years old, she went to a friend’s birthday celebration at a gymnastics facility, where she stood out so much that the staff approached her parents. After that, they recommended that Rivera try out for the squad, and the rest is history. Currently, Hezly Rivera is enrolled in the online high school program. Hezly Rivera’s school is Connection Academy. It is anticipated that she will graduate in 2026.

Hezly Rivera’s parents on her Olympic appearance

Henry Rivera has become synonymous with Hezly Rivera’s success. On the final day of the Olympic team trials, when Hezly’s name was called out, Henry broke into tears. A clip of him wiping tears from his eyes while recording the moment on his phone went viral. Two years ago, when Hezly competed in a Jr. Elite USA Gymnastics event for the first time and qualified for the USA Jr. Women’s National team, Henry made a heartwarming post about it on his LinkedIn.

There he wrote, “My daughter’s hard work is paying off. Words cannot describe the emotions that I am currently feeling.” He described how for 3 years she could not participate due to COVID, injuries, and surgeries, but she finally overcame them to qualify for the DTB POKAL team. He ended the post by calling Hezly his “hero.” After Hezly’s Olympics qualification, he told NBC Olympics that he “Can’t describe everything that is going through my head. It’s the biggest joy in the world.” Hezly Rivera’s father’s pride in her has been evident throughout her journey so far. 

Hezly Rivera’s parents trust in her has been paid off, and Hezly won gold on beam at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a bronze in the all-around. And now, she is preparing herself for upcoming LA 2028 Olympics.