Olympic Team Champion Breaks Silence on Last-Minute World Championships Withdrawal

After missing the 2025 World Championships because of an ankle injury, Hezly Rivera entered 2026 hoping to finally make her mark on the world stage. The American gymnast had another successful season, winning her second consecutive U.S. all-around title and earning a place on the team for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands. However, her hopes of competing were cut short when ankle pain forced her to withdraw just days before the event. Now, the Olympic team champion is speaking out about the disappointment and sharing her plans for the road ahead.