Hezly Rivera didn’t turn out to be an Olympic gold medalist by obsessing over her sport earlier than performing—she discovered the important thing to successful was not eager about gymnastics in any respect.
Whereas many athletes swear by elaborate pregame routines or superstitious rituals, Rivera’s secret is easier: silence, and generally a nap.
“Earlier than I carry out, I don’t actually have sure steps that I take,” Rivera, 17, tells Fortune. “Once I’m preparing, I like to remain as calm as attainable. I don’t hearken to music, I take a nap. I attempt to get my thoughts off gymnastics.”
The youngest athlete on your entire U.S. delegation on the 2024 Paris Olympics—she was 16 on the time—earned a gold medal as a member of Group USA and went on to turn out to be the 2025 U.S. senior all-around champion. Extra just lately, she needed to withdraw from the world championships on account of an ankle harm. Now, she’s sharing how she stays so calm on and off the mat.
“I don’t have many rituals or a set routine—it simply type of flows the best way it’s meant to that day,” she stated.
“I pray with my household, and that calms me down. I do know all of the preparation we’ve put in on the gymnasium will come out ultimately, so I’m not too burdened or fearful about it,” she added.
The gymnast, who was homeschooled since fourth grade to give attention to her sport whereas coaching, says the identical grounded mindset helped her stability each worlds.
Rivera nonetheless feels schooling is a crucial asset, and works with Verizon Progressive Studying, becoming a member of college students on the Bronx Writing Academy to assist increase entry to STEM alternatives in underserved faculties.
Conserving a present-moment focus is what helped her keep grounded
Since performing, her skill to remain current is what’s helped her keep on with her targets on and off the mat.
“Each flip is a brand new alternative and a second probability,” Rivera says. “I attempt to neglect concerning the previous—even when I’ve made a mistake—and keep utterly within the current. It’s not straightforward, however it’s one thing I’ve realized to follow.”
That echoes considered one of Michael Jordan’s well-known quotes: “Why would I take into consideration lacking a shot I haven’t taken but?”
At occasions, being an Olympic gold medalist comes with psychological and bodily gymnastics. 4 years in the past, Simone Biles made headlines after withdrawing from a number of occasions on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021—on account of a situation referred to as “the twisties,” a sudden lack of air consciousness that may disorient gymnasts mid-routine.
“Psychological well being and mindset are so vital,” Rivera says. “It’s all the time greatest to speak about what’s bothering you—whether or not it’s together with your coaches or your loved ones. Gymnastics is bodily, however it’s principally psychological. We are able to all do the abilities; it’s your mindset going into them that makes the distinction.”
