‘We couldn’t be any happier’: Parents of gold medal gymnasts celebrate

PARIS (KXAN) — Any parent wants to see the best for his or her child. For parents watching in the stands of Paris Tuesday, seeing their daughters win gold in the team all-around final was absolute perfection.

Team USA finished several points ahead of the other teams, with Italy trailing behind.

KXAN’s Jala Washington was there for the win, and she shared reaction from fans and USA gymnastics family members. Outside Bercy Arena, Washington spoke with excited parents of two gold medal gymnasts.

“I would tell any parent who has a child in this position, keep pushing, keep pressing, because their dreams are big, but they can do it,” said Timothy and Gina Chiles, Jordan Chiles’ parents. “Our hope for her is that she’s happy, she’s healthy, she feels like she accomplished what she wanted to do.”

Henry Rivera, Hezly Rivera’s father, said he was super proud his daughter is a champ. “Gold medal! We couldn’t be any happier. This is my entire family here. Flew out from New York, Jersey, Cali. We’re all in here. USA! USA!”

Emotions ran high as the party continued in Paris Tuesday. The team still has the individual event finals, as well as all around finals, coming up.

The top three women in each event competed, so there was very little room for error — as all scores counted.

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