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Hezly Rivera Repeats as National Champion, Secures World Spot

8/11/2026

Summary

Rivera Repeats Champion

Hezly Rivera won the all-around title at the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Phoenix with a score of 111.950.
Hezly Rivera rose from fourth after Day 1 to first, winning beam gold (28.700) and floor silver (28.300).
Hezly Rivera became the second woman in 13 years, after gymnast Simone Biles, to repeat as national champion.
Hezly Rivera and Claire Pease earned invitations to the World Selection Event in Crossville, Tennessee, on Sept. 29-Oct. 1.

Summary

Rivera Defies Injuries

Rivera competed in the championships despite a hamstring injury and after an ankle injury at last year’s selection camp.
Coach Anna Liukin called Rivera’s demeanor “motherly,” highlighting Rivera’s mentorship of younger teammates as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approach.
Valeri Liukin said Rivera’s “what are you gonna do?” shrug after a modest dismount showed confidence that helped Rivera rebound from a fall on the uneven bars.

Summary

Rivera Commits

World-team selection in Crossville, Tennessee, from Sept. 29-Oct. 1 will choose the U.S. squad for the World Championships since Paris, set for October in Rotterdam.
Hezly Rivera, the only 2024 Olympian competing in Phoenix, has committed to LSU, giving her an experience edge, while Claire Pease will compete for Utah, showing divergent NCAA routes.
Comebacks by Sunisa Lee, Shilese Jones and possibly Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles could reshape the U.S. roster for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

History

Historical Context

Simone Biles captured her first U.S. national all-around title in 2013, launching a run that would become a record nine national championships. Her breakthrough reinforced USA Gymnastics' streak of world team golds, a focus that now guides NCAA recruiting for American gymnasts seeking elite competition and the build-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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Rivera Repeats Champion

Hezly Rivera won the all-around title at the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Phoenix with a score of 111.950.
Hezly Rivera rose from fourth after Day 1 to first, winning beam gold (28.700) and floor silver (28.300).
Hezly Rivera became the second woman in 13 years, after gymnast Simone Biles, to repeat as national champion.
Hezly Rivera and Claire Pease earned invitations to the World Selection Event in Crossville, Tennessee, on Sept. 29-Oct. 1.

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