The Paris Olympics 2024 featured a fierce competition between the USA and China for the top spot in the medal tally. Ultimately, the USA emerged victorious in this close battle.
Hezly Rivera: The Youngest Olympic Gold Medalist
Among the 592 athletes representing the USA, 16-year-old gymnast Hezly Rivera stood out. Rivera won a gold medal with the USA women’s gymnastics team, making a significant mark at the Games.
Rivera’s Role in Women’s Team Gymnastics
Rivera, the youngest on her team, competed in artistic gymnastics alongside Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey. Despite being younger than her teammates, Rivera helped the team secure gold in the women’s team final.
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The Women’s Team Event Breakdown
The women’s team event consisted of four rotations: vault, floor exercise, balance beam, and uneven bars. Although Rivera did not participate in all these routines, she was a crucial part of Team USA. She did not advance to the individual finals for bars and beam.
Team USA’s Victory
Team USA won the women’s team final with a score of 171.296 points. They outperformed their competitors in all four rotations, facing strong competition only on the balance beam from Italy and Canada.
Rivera’s Future Prospects
Having qualified through the US Olympic trials in Minnesota, Rivera became the youngest athlete on the USA team. Looking ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, Rivera will be 20 years old and will likely bring a wealth of experience. She aims to build on her achievements and be inspired by her teammates, especially Simone Biles.
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