Paris 2024 Olympic team gold medallist Hezly Rivera will not be able to compete at the upcoming FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta after injuring her ankle.
The 17-year-old shared via Instagram that she rolled her ankle in training, forcing her to miss the World Selection event next week in Crossville, Tennessee (30 September – 2 October), where she was favoured to make the team for Indonesia.
“After talking it through with my doctors and coaches, I’ve decided the best thing right now is to sit out of the worlds Selection Camp,” wrote Rivera. “I’m definitely bummed about the timing, but I’m excited to cheer on my teammates and Team USA from home. My focus is on recovery and coming back stronger in 2026.”
This year’s world championships will feature only individual events, with no team competition.
Rivera, who was the youngest member of Team USA’s gold medal-winning squad in Paris alongside Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles, was considered a strong medal contender in the all-around, as well as on the uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise.