Injury knocks Paris Olympics gold medalist out of gymnastics worlds

Olympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera will miss the gymnastics world championships next month due to an ankle injury.

‘After talking it through with my doctor and coaches, I’ve decided the best thing right now is to sit out of the Worlds Selection Camp,’ Rivera wrote. ‘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.’

The world team selection camp begins Tuesday in Crossville, Tennessee. The top gymnast in the all-around competition Tuesday will automatically qualify for the world team. The remaining three members will be named after the two-day camp.

Only individual titles will be contested at these world championships. In addition to the all-around, Rivera would have been a medal contender on uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise.

Rivera, now 17, was the youngest member of Team USA at last summer’s Paris Olympics. She won gold in the team competition alongside Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles. She did not compete in any individual event finals.

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