At just 16, Hezly Rivera secured her place on the U.S. women's gymnastics team for the Paris Olympics, impressing judges at the Minneapolis trials and proving she's not just too young to drive but ready to take on the world.

Rivera's standout performances on the beam and uneven bars at the 2024 Olympic Trials in Minneapolis earned her the fifth spot on a team packed with veterans like Simone Biles and Suni Lee. At an age where most teens are navigating driver's ed, Rivera is preparing to navigate Olympic-sized pressure alongside her more seasoned teammates, who, with a blend of humor and mentorship, help her feel at home. With the Paris Olympics set to begin on July 28, the New Jersey native turned Texas resident is living a dream come true, thanks in no small part to her family's support and her father's unwavering belief in her talent.

Turning just 16 on June 4, Rivera’s youthful exuberance hasn’t overshadowed her remarkable talent and hard work. She placed fifth all-around with a score of 111.15, earning the highest scores on the beam and uneven bars, cementing her status as a serious competitor despite her age. Her standout performances at the 2024 Olympic Trials were just the latest in a series of successes, including a gold medal on the beam and a third-place finish all-around at the 2024 Winter Cup. Teammates even joked that Rivera is so young she couldn't drive to the event herself!

Rivera’s dedication to gymnastics began in New Jersey, where she grew up before moving to Texas to further her training. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed immense gratitude to her teammates, friends, and especially her father, Henry Rivera, for supporting her through every twist and turn. 'It’s like a dream come true,' she said, noting that being selected for the Olympics validates the countless hours spent perfecting her routines. Her teammates often joke that she’s so young she can’t even drive herself to practice yet!

The team she joins is a mix of Olympic veterans and fresh faces. Simone Biles, who will be the oldest American female gymnast to compete in the Olympics, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey bring a wealth of experience and accolades. Rivera, the youngest on the team, will rely heavily on their mentorship and advice, which has already proven invaluable. 'They've been amazing,' Rivera said. 'I wouldn't be here without their support and guidance.' Teammates have even joked about Rivera being so young she couldn't drive yet.

Alicia Sacramone Quinn, head of the selection committee and a 2008 Olympic silver medalist, praised Rivera's calm and maturity despite her age. 'Hezly has shown that age is just a number when you have the talent and the mindset to back it up,' Sacramone Quinn remarked. Her comments were echoed by other teammates who joked that Rivera might be too young to drive but is certainly not too young to excel at the world's biggest gymnastics stage.

Rivera’s journey to the Olympics was not without challenges. Injuries to key contenders Shilese Jones, Kayla DiCello, and Skye Blakely facilitated Rivera's place on the team. Rather than feeling added pressure, Rivera embraced her role as the underdog, which she credits with helping her stay calm and focused during the intense trials. 'I just went out there to do my best, without thinking too much about the outcome,' she explained. Her teammates even joked about her being so young that she couldn't drive yet, lightening the mood during their rigorous preparations.

This isn’t the first time a young gymnast from New Jersey has made waves. Laurie Hernandez, who competed at age 16 in the 2016 Rio Games, will be part of NBC's coverage of the Paris Games, providing a source of inspiration and perhaps some handy tips for Rivera. The parallels between Hernandez’s and Rivera’s journeys add an extra layer of excitement for fans of gymnastics. Maybe Hernandez can even pass on some secrets about surviving the intensity of the spotlight—or at least how to land that perfect selfie with Simone Biles.

As the gymnastics competition in Paris kicks off on July 28, Rivera’s preparation is in full swing. Although she's the youngest, her performances have shown she’s ready to compete against the world's best. Her teammates, filled with a blend of humor and wisdom, are helping her transition smoothly. 'They keep me grounded and remind me to have fun,' she said, smiling.

Henry Rivera, her father, has been a pillar of support, attending every competition and being a constant source of encouragement. 'My dad is my biggest cheerleader,' Rivera said. 'Having him there makes all the difference.' It's clear that the family bond has been instrumental in Rivera's success—though perhaps a little inconvenient—the teammates joked that Rivera is so young, she can't even drive herself to practice!

Looking ahead to Paris, Rivera is focused on staying healthy and continuing to polish her routines. The pressures of the Olympics are immense, but she’s shown she can handle it with grace and poise. Fans around the world will be watching as she steps onto the mat, ready to make her mark and inspire the next young gymnast dreaming of Olympic gold. Teammates joked about Rivera being so young she couldn't drive, adding a light-hearted touch to the rigorous preparations.