16-year-old Hezly Rivera pens heartwarming note for gymnastics legend Valeri Liukin on national coaches day

2024 Olympics gold medalist Hezly Rivera recently wished her coaches, Anna Liukin and Valeri Liukin, on the eve of National Coaches Day (October 6). This comes a few days after the 16-year-old met US President Joe Biden as part of a ceremony honoring US Olympians and Paralympians.

Rivera has been trained by the Liukin couple for several years now after she broke off her allegiance with Maggie Elaine Haney. She moved to Texas with her family where she trained at Valeri Liukin's WOGA Gymnastics.

Hezly Rivera took to social media to pay tribute to her longtime mentors on National Coaches Day. On her Instagram stories, the 16-year-old gymnast lauded the Liukin duo as "the best coaches ever" and thanked them for their role in her career and "in life." She wrote,

"Happy national coaches day to the best coaches ever! thank you for all that you do for me and for being there every step of the way. Thank you for helping me with not only gymnastics but also in life"

Screenshot of Rivera's Instagram story (Image via Rivera's Instagram handle)

Valeri Liukin is one of the most experienced coaches on the gymnastic circuit, with several successful stints with the United States national gymnastics team. He was one of the most reputed male gymnasts during his time as a gymnast for the Kazakhstan national gymnastics team. He clinched numerous titles including two Olympic and World Championship gold medals before stepping into the role of a coach.

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Hezly Rivera set to be celebrated in her hometown

Hezly Rivera during the uneven bars apparatus at the 2024 Paris Olympics (Image via: Getty Images)

Hezly Rivera is set to receive a grand welcome in her hometown of Oradell as she returns to her native town following her gold medal-winning campaign at the Paris quadrennial Games.

Rivera will be welcomed with a homecoming parade. Speaking about this, Rivera spoke about the importance Oradell has for her and her family. She also mentioned that this parade also holds a special part in her gymnastics career. She said in a statement (via NJ.com),

"I am beyond excited to come back to Oradell and celebrate with my hometown. Oradell has always been important to my family and I, to be honored with a homecoming parade and ceremony is such a meaningful part of my journey."

Hezly Rivera was part of the US women's gymnastics team's gold medal-winning effort at the 2024 Olympics. She performed on the uneven bars and balance beam apparatus during the qualifying round.