Hezly Rivera (Images via: Rivera Instagram)

Simone Biles' teammate Hezly Rivera set to pursue her collegiate career at LSU Gymnastics

Modified Sep 26, 2024 19:46 GMT

2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist and Simone Biles' teammate Hezly Rivera is all set to join the Louisiana State University's (LSU) gymnastics roster. This decision for the gymnast comes just a few days after her official visit to the institution on Monday (September 23).

Currently, in high school, Rivera will complete her high school education in 2026 following which she can join the LSU Tigers roster. She will become the first signing of the LSU Tigers to already have first-hand experience of competing in an Olympics.

The 16-year-old took to her official Instagram handle to share this news about her career. In her post, she thanked the almighty and also her family and friends for guiding her through the tough times. She wrote:

"I am so blessed & excited to announce that I have verbally committed to Louisiana State University (LSU🙃) on a full athletic scholarship. thank you Jesus for this wonderful blessing! thank you to my family, coaches, and teammates for helping me throughout this process"

With experience of competing in major global tournaments with the United States national gymnastics side, Rivera will be one of the most interesting prospects to be added to the LSU Tigers roster. This addition will be crucial for the Tigers with many of its current gymnastic stars such as Olivia Dunne set to bid adieu to the program in the next few years.

Hezly Rivera opens up about her parents' contribution to her success

Hezly Rivera attending a baseball game between Yankees and Rangers (Image via Getty)

Hezly Rivera recently opened up about the support her parents showed towards her during her early years in the gymnastics circuit when they had to shift from New Jersey to Dallas so that she could get a better training guide and infrastructure.

Nearly a month after her successful 2024 Paris Olympics campaign, the 16-year-old featured in an interview during which she was asked about this shift from her native place.

In response, Hezly Rivera said this was her decision and that she was the one who asked her parents for this move. She said (via Time):

"I didn’t have any doubts. I was very confident in our decision. I was making the decision, and basically my parents followed and supported me in whatever I wanted to do."

In Dallas, Hezly Rivera received constant guidance from two-time Olympic gold medalist Valeri Liukin, who was one of the early mentors in the 16-year-old gymnast's career.