Olympic Champion Hezly Rivera Withdraws From Pan American Championships

BusinessSportsMoneyOlympic Champion Hezly Rivera Withdraws From Pan American ChampionshipsByCaroline Price,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Olympic Sports Analyst and Published AuthorFollow AuthorJun 17, 2026, 10:00am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryOlympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera has withdrawn from the Pan American Championships in Rio de Janeiro after performing just one routine. USA Gymnastics confirmed her departure following her vault in Wednesday's team final. Though no immediate reason was given, a significantly downgraded vault fueled speculation of injury or illness, despite her strong 13.400 score. Rivera's career has been hampered by recent injuries, notably her withdrawal from the 2025 World Championships selection camp, which affected the U.S. team's medal haul. With Rivera's early exit, Team USA cannot substitute an alternate and will now depend on Claire Pease and Charleigh Bullock. They face tough competition from Canada and host Brazil, led by six-time Olympic medalist Rebeca Andrade, as they pursue team, all-around, and individual event finals.Show More NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - AUGUST 10: Hezly Rivera warms up during the senior women finals at the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships at Smoothie King Center on August 10, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Alicia Malnati/Getty Images)Getty ImagesHezly Rivera’s Pan American Championship campaign is over moments after it began. The 2024 Olympic gold medalist withdrew from the remainder of this week’s championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after competing just one routine. After Rivera competed on the vault in Wednesday’s team final and individual qualification round, USA Gymnastics announced the athlete’s official withdrawal. Though no immediate reason for the decision was given, Rivera’s vault was significantly downgraded fro...