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Meet Hezly Rivera from Plano, soon to become a household name.
She’s bound for Paris with the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team after a thrilling announcement Sunday night, capping off a whirlwind weekend for the 16-year-old. At DFW Airport on Monday night, Rivera was greeted by dozens of fans, many from her own gym.
“Congratulations on making the Olympics. It’s a really big deal,” said 10-year-old Nora Greenfield.
Rivera impressed at the Olympic trials over the weekend.
She joins seasoned Olympic veterans on the ultimate sports stage: Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, Suni Lee, and Simone Biles.
“I could not be more happy. I’m ecstatic,” Rivera shared with NBC Sports.
Equally ecstatic is Rivera’s father, Henry Rivera, whose joy at his daughter making the team was as memorable as her routines.
“Overjoyed, proud dad, proud family. It’s just something that I can’t even describe,” Henry Rivera expressed.
Born in New Jersey, Rivera’s family relocated to Texas so she could train at WOGA Plano.
It’s a far cry from when she first tried gymnastics at a friend’s birthday party at five years old.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting this. I was expecting to go home and pick up my bag, but I’m so happy that everyone is here to support me,” Rivera said upon her return to DFW Airport.
She graciously signed autographs and posed for photos with fans, who enthusiastically chanted “U.S.A!”
“I’ve worked so hard to get here, just enjoying the journey and the process, and I’m so blessed, and I thank god every day,” Rivera added.