Hezly Rivera (WOGA) competes on floor exercise at the 2026 U.S. Championships in Phoenix, Arizona.
USA Gymnastics
Hezly Rivera captured her second consecutive U.S. National Championships title on Sunday in Phoenix, delivering a commanding performance that solidified her position among the elite in USA Gymnastics history.
The 18-year-old outlasted club teammate Claire Pease and rising star Charleigh Bullock in a dramatic finish, showcasing the kind of resilience that has defined her rapid ascent in the sport.
Joining an illustrious roster that includes Simone Biles, Shawn Johnson, and Nastia Liukin—all Olympic champions who previously claimed back-to-back national titles—Rivera has etched her name into the record books. But what made this victory particularly remarkable was the manner in which she reclaimed her crown under intense pressure.
After a disappointing start on Friday, where an uncharacteristic fall on the uneven bars dropped her nearly two points below her usual standard, Rivera faced a significant hurdle early in the competition. The error cast doubt over her title defense, leaving her seven tenths behind the leader heading into the final day.
However, rather than crumble, Rivera responded with determination. Her very next routine—a beam performance—earned the highest score of the event (14.300), lifting her to fourth place after the first night and signaling her return to form.
As she took to the floor on Sunday, Rivera needed a flawless performance—and delivered one. Starting on the apparatus where she had erred, she executed a strong routine that vaulted her into second place immediately. She then matched her personal best on beam with a 14.400, claiming both the U.S. balance beam title and cutting into her deficit.
Entering the third rotation, Rivera delivered what many considered the strongest floor exercise routine of her young career, earning 14.300—the third-highest score of the competition. Her Yurchenko double full on vault served as the final statement, where she nearly stuck her landing, securing her position as champion.
Trailing by seven tenths at the start of the competition, Rivera finished with a commanding lead of over a full point, demonstrating not just skill, but mental fortitude that elevates her above her peers.
From Paris Promises to Phoenix Triumph
Since making headlines as a surprise member of the 2024 Olympic team, Rivera has transformed into a dominant force within American gymnastics. Though she was the youngest member of Team USA and did not record a counting score in the Olympic team final, she has since seized every opportunity with both confidence and elegance.
Now recognized as the undeniable leader of the 2026 U.S. squad, Rivera continues to push boundaries despite recent setbacks, including an injury that sidelined her from the 2025 World Championships. Her ability to bounce back from adversity—often sticking the landing—has only strengthened her reputation as a future star.
Looking ahead, all eyes will turn to October’s 2026 World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where Rivera may finally claim her moment on the global stage. Recent adjustments in her training regimen, including skipping the U.S. Classic in July, suggest a strategic buildup to major competitions.
With World team selection camp still more than a month away, Rivera has ample time to refine her routines and build momentum. One thing remains certain: Hezly Rivera isn’t just a rising star—she’s already arrived.
