USA Gymnastics Announces Head-Turning Lineup Decision Before Team Final

The women's national team crushed the competition during the qualifying round at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and newcomer Hezly Rivera finished in first place with 172.296 score, over 5 points above second place (Italy).

Rivera, 16, the youngest member of Team USA, competed on the beam and the uneven bars. The New Jersey native was shaky on beam, earning a 12.633, placing 46th overall. She fared much better on the uneven bars, earning a 13.900, tied for 20th overall.

However, when USA Gymnastics announced the official lineup for the team final, they did not list Rivera's name on either apparatus. Barring a major setback to any of the gymnasts selected, Rivera's Olympic journey is over. She did not qualify to compete for a medal on the individual beam or uneven bars final.

USA Gymnastics appears to have selected their lineup based on the highest scores during the qualifying round. Biles and Chiles will compete on all four events, Lee on two (uneven bars and floor, and Carey on one (vault).

The decision to omit Rivera from competition immediately turned some heads. Olympics reporter Scott Bregman called the decision "very interesting" since "they can very much put up who ever they choose in the team final."

One fan posted , "I feel bad for Hezly but I think this is the strongest line up for each apparatus/event." Another person wrote , "Poor Hezly, I know Tokyo showed us that the US aren’t totally unbeatable, but give the girl a chance. First olympics, she’s made zero event finals and now you take away her last chance to compete?"

The last time a member of Team USA didn't participate in the finals was during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, during which they won silver. Even though Rivera won't compete during the team final in Paris on July 30, she will receive a medal if Team USA makes a podium finish.

Because Rivera is so young, there's a strong chance she'll be back for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. One woman posted , "Feel bad for Hezly not getting to do bars or beam but hopefully she makes it back in LA and can compete more there. Thank you Hezly!"

Rivera earned her spot on the women's national team after placing fifth overall at the U.S Gymnastics Trials in Minneapolis last month. She was thrilled for the opportunity make her Olympics debut.

She posted on Instagram after the qualifying round, "Officially an olympian! wow today was awesome 💗."

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