Hezly Rivera Wins Second Straight U.S. All-Around Gymnastics Title

Hezly Rivera defied the odds to claim her second straight U.S. women’s gymnastics all-around title, etching her name into history with a remarkable comeback at the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Phoenix. The 18-year-old, who entered the final day in fourth place, won with a two-day total of 111.950. Her performance solidified her status as the face of American women’s gymnastics ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

A Historic Comeback

Rivera’s victory marked only the second time in the past 13 years a woman has repeated as U.S. all-around champion, following Simone Biles’ record nine titles. The youngest U.S. Olympian in 2024 at 16, Rivera trailed by six-tenths of a point after day one, but she delivered a second day to clinch the title. I wasn’t looking at the scoreboard; I was just focused on myself and my gymnastics, Rivera said on NBC Sports, emphasizing her mental approach to the competition. It was actually, like, stress free. I took all the pressure I could off myself because it’s not fun when you’re stressed or nervous.

Rivera’s second-day performance included a 56.950 score, highlighted by a floor routine that secured her lead. She finished ahead of Claire Pease, who took silver with 110.800, and Charleigh Bullock, who claimed bronze with 110.550. Pease, Rivera’s training partner at WOGA Gymnastics, had led after day one but faltered on vault, scoring 13.850 compared to Rivera’s 14.400.

The Road to 2028

Rivera’s victory positions her as a key figure in the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where she aims to build on her 2024 Paris gold medal. The 2026 World Championships, set for October in Rotterdam, Netherlands, will be her next major test. I want to win another team medal. I want to get a medal in the all-around and a few individual medals, she said, citing her ambitions.

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The win also solidified Rivera’s place on the 2026-27 Senior National Team, alongside peers like Jade Carey, who claimed vault gold, and Skye Blakely, who fell short after a rough day on Sunday. Carey, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, finished fifth with a 108.750, but her presence underscores the depth of American gymnastics.

Rivalries and Resilience

Rivera’s journey to the title was not without challenges. After falling on the uneven bars during day one, she faced a daunting climb to the top. I just focused on myself and my gymnastics and what I had to do, she said, crediting her mental resilience. Her coach, Anna Liukin, praised Rivera’s growth, calling her “motherly” in her leadership. She is a lot more mature and a lot more complete gymnast right now, Liukin said, highlighting Rivera’s evolution from the 2024 Olympics, where she was a relative unknown.

The rivalry with Pease, who also won the uneven bars title, added tension to the competition. Pease, a Utah commitment, had led after day one but was overtaken by Rivera’s second-day surge. The pair’s dynamic reflects the competitive spirit of the U.S. team, which includes veterans like Simone Biles and Suni Lee, though neither has confirmed future plans.

What’s Next?

With the U.S. team for the 2026 World Championships set to be announced, Rivera’s focus shifts to the global stage. Rivera, who has already secured a spot on the senior national team, is eager to prove herself on the world stage.

As the gymnastics world turns its attention to the upcoming World Championships, Rivera’s victory in Phoenix has set the tone for the next chapter of her career. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, her performance has not only solidified her status as a leader but also redefined the expectations for the next generation of American gymnasts.

Rivera’s path to success is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the support of her coaches and teammates. As she prepares for the challenges ahead, her historic comeback in Phoenix will be remembered as a defining moment in her career and a pivotal chapter in the story of U.S. gymnastics.