Hezly Rivera Triumphs Over Wong — that’s the headline gymnastics fans will remember from the 2025 U.S. Gymnastics Championships. The 17-year-old rising star delivered a poised, polished performance across two days of competition to capture her first national all-around title with a score of 112.000. Rivera fended off a strong challenge from the experienced Leanne Wong, securing her place as a leader in the next generation of American gymnastics.
From Newcomer to Champion
Just one year ago, Rivera was the fresh-faced teenager learning the ropes alongside Olympic legends Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles. Back then, she absorbed not just their world-class skills but also their champion mindset.
“They looked so confident,” Rivera recalled. “They’re like, ‘I’m going to go out and I’m going to hit.’ It gave me that confidence as well.”
That confidence was on full display this weekend as Hezly Rivera Triumphs Over Wong to establish herself as the present — and future — face of U.S. women’s gymnastics.
Overcoming Early Season Struggles
Rivera’s win comes just weeks after a shaky performance at the U.S. Classic. Rather than letting pressure mount, she embraced a new approach: letting go of expectations.
“No matter how rough the competition is, I still can get back into the gym and work hard,” she said. “All those months previously that I’ve been working hard, I know it’s going to show up eventually.”
That mindset proved decisive. Across four rotations on Sunday, Hezly Rivera Triumphs Over Wong with a calm, refined style — especially on the balance beam, where she finally matched her training performances.
The Battle With Leanne Wong
From the very start, Leanne Wong made it clear she wasn’t going to hand the title over easily. A stuck Cheng vault set the tone for her evening. Wong, a four-time world championship medalist and balancing act of elite gymnastics with pre-med studies and entrepreneurship, pushed Rivera at every turn.
Still, Hezly Rivera Triumphs Over Wong by posting top scores on three of four apparatuses. Wong’s consistency kept the tension high through the final rotation, but Rivera’s closing floor routine sealed the victory. Only after stepping off the podium could she finally exhale.
“Everything fell into place,” Rivera said. “I tried not to get too overwhelmed because nerves obviously can be there, especially when you know you’re in a spot to win a national title.”
The Rise of the Next Generation
This championship wasn’t just about one victory — it was a symbolic passing of the torch. At just 17, Hezly Rivera Triumphs Over Wong to become the youngest U.S. all-around champion since Biles first rose to prominence. She now stands poised to lead the American team toward the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Rivera is no longer simply “the youngest” on the team; she’s a leader in a youthful field. Her composed performance reflects a maturity beyond her years — a quality she says comes from watching and learning from Olympic veterans.
Joscelyn Roberson’s Grit
While Hezly Rivera Triumphs Over Wong was the main headline, another story of grit unfolded in the form of Joscelyn Roberson. An Olympic alternate last year, Roberson was on track to challenge for the title until an ankle injury on her final floor pass derailed her chances. Even with the injury, she powered through her vault dismount, though a half-point deduction for extra padding took her out of contention. She still managed a podium finish in third.
Her attitude after the setback mirrored the leadership qualities emerging among the younger generation:
“It’s not the end of the day if you have a bad day or if you had one fall. I want to help them grow instead of think, ‘I have to be perfect.’”
Skye Blakely’s Return
Skye Blakely, who has faced heartbreaking injuries at the last two Olympic Trials, impressed with sublime routines on uneven bars and balance beam. Her performance has put her firmly in the conversation for a spot on the U.S. world championship team heading to Jakarta, Indonesia, in October.
What’s Next for Rivera and Wong
With this victory, Hezly Rivera Triumphs Over Wong to lock up a spot at the world championship selection camp next month. Wong, too, will join the camp, her experience and consistency making her a likely choice for the team.
For Rivera, this title is both a personal milestone and a stepping stone toward bigger goals. She is now a frontrunner not only for the upcoming world championships but also as a potential leader for Team USA at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Significance of This Victory
Hezly Rivera Triumphs Over Wong is more than just a competition result — it signals a generational shift in U.S. gymnastics. Rivera is now the athlete the younger girls look up to, just as she once looked up to Biles and Lee. At 17, she carries the dual weight of being a role model and a contender on the international stage.
Her journey from a newcomer surrounded by Olympic champions to national all-around winner in just a year is a testament to her work ethic, mental resilience, and ability to perform under pressure.
Final Results – 2025 U.S. Championships (Women’s All-Around)
- Hezly Rivera – 112.000
- Leanne Wong – Close runner-up
- Joscelyn Roberson – Battled injury to podium
Looking Toward Jakarta and Beyond
The U.S. women’s team heading into the 2025 World Championships will likely feature both Rivera and Wong — a pairing that blends youthful fearlessness with seasoned consistency. If Hezly Rivera Triumphs Over Wong at nationals is any indication, fans can expect another thrilling showdown on the world stage.
The road to the 2028 Olympics has officially begun, and Rivera has already made her mark as a leader. Her ability to combine poise, technical skill, and competitive fire at such a young age suggests that this is just the beginning of a storied career.
Conclusion
In one unforgettable weekend, Hezly Rivera Triumphs Over Wong to claim her first U.S. national title, ushering in a new era for American gymnastics. Her win was not just about athletic excellence — it was about embracing the responsibility of leadership, thriving under pressure, and inspiring the next generation.
With her eyes set on Jakarta and, ultimately, Los Angeles in 2028, Rivera’s journey has only just begun. But make no mistake — the confidence and composure she displayed at the U.S. Championships prove she’s ready for the world stage.