Olympic gold in hands in Paris, Hezly Rivera leaves gymnastics community speculating with next move: “Good fit”

Hezly Rivera has been a sensation since her standout performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. At just 16 years old, she won gold with the iconic U.S. gymnastics team, a remarkable feat that has catapulted her into the spotlight. But Hezly’s journey from high school student to Olympic champion is a story that began much earlier, in a surprising place: a birthday party.

Yes, a simple birthday party was where it all began! When Hezly was just five years old, she attended her friend’s party at a local gymnastics gym. The staff, noticing her natural talent, suggested she audition for the team. From those innocent beginnings, a star was born. Eleven years later, Hezly is a champion, training at WOGA gymnastics under the guidance of Valeri and Anna Liukin, the esteemed coaches who raised 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin.

Hezly’s talent really shined at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. She didn’t just compete; she soared, placing first on the balance beam and finishing fifth, securing her spot on the U.S. Gymnastics team heading to Paris. With legends like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey at her side, Hezly couldn’t believe her luck.I can’t believe I’m part of this team; I never thought this would happen‘ she marveled after the tests. Who could have guessed that the little girl from the birthday party would rise to win Olympic gold?

Hezly’s secret to success? A calm and focused mindset.I thought about it like any other competition. I just thought, okay, it’s just me and the beam or me and the bar, and I just say hello to my coach,” she shared after her win. Now that Paris is behind us, everyone is wondering what’s next for Hezly Rivera. She’s already looking ahead to the next chapter: college. She recently teased her followers on Instagram by writing, “Guess where I’m going for my first official university visit!The news has the gymnastics community excited and speculation about her future is ramping up.

Fans are thrilled with the possibilities

The gymnastics community is abuzz about where Hezly Rivera might go next. While Hezly hasn’t revealed where she’s headed, there’s a passionate debate going on among fans. One fan mused, ““I’d like to see her at Cal. I think she’s going to LSU, though.” The idea of ​​Hezly joining the California Golden Bears is appealing because of their strong gymnastics tradition. But on the other hand, Louisiana State University is a strong contender.

Another fan looking at the bigger picture said: “LSU is also next to Texas, so for that reason she could go there.” Hezly’s family recently relocated to Plano, Texas, in 2021 to train at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy, and some fans say she may stick around. LSU is undoubtedly a strong contender given their recent run under Jay Clark. Since joining in 2017, he has led LSU to multiple NCAA Super Six appearances, regional titles and national honors on bars.

Despite LSU’s obvious appeal, one fan said, “Bah, please not LSU.“Some fans have other suggestions for Hezly.”I think LSU, OU, and UF are the most likely options. I like the idea of ​​Hezly going to Georgia because she would do so well and improve so much under Cecile, especially with an eye toward LA2028, but I doubt she would choose it over a higher ranked program since UGA is still rebuilding.” wrote a user. Another backup “She strikes me as an OU or LSU girl.“

Why OU? Oklahoma University under coach KJ Kindler will go down in history as iconic. Under him, OU has won six NCAA titles and has consistently finished in the top three for the past decade. The question is whether Hezly’s calm demeanor will match the Sooners’ intense style. Some fans see the bigger picture. One said: “I think she’ll defer her decision until 2028, so elite coaching in the NCAA might not be as big a consideration.” But despite this, OU remains a strong possibility, with one fan writing: “She really gives me Oklahoma vibes. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s the nice bars and the weird floor music.”

To add even more intrigue, her U.S. team of gymnasts have also begun to forge their own unique paths. After Paris 2024, Jordan Chiles announced her return to UCLA. While Sunisa Lee has remained with her favorite, Auburn. Will she follow in the footsteps of her contemporaries or surprise the world? The debate is raging and fans can’t wait to see where she ends up.