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Olympic Gold Medalist Hezly Rivera Rallies to Capture Second Straight U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Title
Rivera posted a 111.950 total and finished more than 1 point ahead of Claire Pease after recovering from a Thursday fall.
- On Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, 18-year-old Olympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera successfully defended her all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Phoenix, finishing with a two-day combined score of 111.950.
- Rivera entered the final day in fourth place after falling face-first on uneven bars on Thursday, but the defending champion rallied with four professional routines to overtake the field.
- Runner-Up Claire Pease finished with 110.8, her floor routine marred by out-of-bounds deductions. Charleigh Bullock took third with 110.55, followed by Reese Esponda at 108.9 and Jade Carey at 108.75.
- Her victory makes Rivera the first American woman not named Simone Biles to win back-to-back national titles since former world and Olympic champion Jordyn Wieber accomplished the feat in 2010 and 2011.
- Athletes are now vying for the five-person Team USA roster at the 2026 World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in October, marking a key qualification opportunity for the LA28 Olympics.
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12 Articles
12 Articles
Associated Press News+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
Olympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera rallies to capture second straight U.S. women's gymnastics title
Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Hezly Rivera has added two-time national champion to her resume. The 18-year-old rallied from a fall on uneven bars during the opening night of competition to surge past early co-leaders Skye Blakely and Claire Pease during the finals.
·New York, United States
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Hezly Rivera Comes From Behind To Win Second U.S. Gymnastics Title
Hezly Rivera defended her all-around title at the 2026 U.S. Championships on Sunday in Phoenix, coming from behind to defeat teammate Claire Pease. With her win, Rivera joins an elite club of Team USA gymnasts.
·Jersey City, United States
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 42%
C 50%
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