Olympic Champ Heads to LSU

A Rising Star Commits to LSU

Paris 2024 Olympic gymnastics team gold medalist Hezly Rivera has announced her intention to join the Louisiana State University women’s gymnastics team. The 16-year-old prodigy, who was the youngest member of the U.S. squad that claimed gold in Paris, will begin her competitive season at LSU in 2027.

A Dream Come True

“I am so blessed and excited to announce that I have verbally committed to Louisiana State University on a full athletic scholarship,” Rivera wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to my family, coaches, and teammates for helping me throughout this process. I also want to thank all the girls, coaches, and staff at LSU for everything.”

Rivera’s commitment is a major coup for LSU, which is the reigning NCAA champion. The Tigers’ 2024 win was their first-ever national title, and Rivera’s addition to the team is sure to bolster their chances of defending their crown.

A Meteoric Rise

It may seem surprising that a 16-year-old is already committed to a major college gymnastics program. However, Rivera’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric.

She first gained national attention at the 2022 U.S. Championships, where she finished second in the all-around. The following year, she qualified for the World Championships, where she placed fifth in the all-around.

Her performance at the World Championships earned her a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. At the Paris Games, Rivera was a key contributor to the team’s gold medal victory. She placed fourth in the all-around and also earned a silver medal on the balance beam.

Learning from Mistakes

Rivera’s success is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and resilience. She has often spoken about the importance of learning from her mistakes. “I think it’s important to embrace the mess-ups,” she said in an interview after the Paris Games. “Because that’s how you grow and that’s how you learn.”

Rivera’s commitment to LSU is a major milestone in her young career. She is undoubtedly one of the most talented gymnasts in the world, and her presence at LSU is sure to make the Tigers a force to be reckoned with in college gymnastics.

As Rivera prepares for her college career, she can look forward to competing against the best gymnasts in the country. She is also sure to be a role model for young girls who aspire to be like her.