Hezly Rivera repeats as U.S. all-around gymnastics champion with historic comeback
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Hezly Rivera, the youngest U.S. Olympian in 2024, has emerged as the leading American female gymnast by repeating as U.S. all-around champion with a historic comeback from fourth place after the first day.
- Rivera scored 111.95 points over two days, winning by 1.15 points over Claire Pease, and became the second woman in 13 years to repeat as U.S. all-around champion after Simone Biles.
- The upcoming World Championships selection competition from Sept. 29-Oct. 1 will determine the five-woman team for October’s worlds, with nationals results factoring into team selection.
- Rivera aims for further Olympic success, targeting team, all-around, and individual apparatus medals at the 2028 LA Games, while other top gymnasts like Jade Carey and Reese Esponda compete for world team spots.
- The U.S. women's gymnastics landscape may shift in 2027 with planned comebacks from stars like Suni Lee and Shilese Jones, and potential returns from Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles for future Olympic bids.
