Hezly Rivera makes her feelings known after receiving Proclamation from Plano's Mayor following the honor at Holiday Parade

Hezly Rivera recently expressed her excitement and gratitude for a special week she experienced in Plano, Texas. Rivera secured a gold medal in the team event at the 2024 Paris Games.

The Olympian was born to Henry Rivera and Heidy Ruiz on June 4, 2008, in Oradell, New Jersey. She later moved to Plano, Texas with her parents in 2020 to resume her training under five-time Olympic medalist Nastia Liukin’s dad, Valeri Liukin, a four-time Olympic medalist (two gold and two silver at the 1988 Seoul Olympics).

For her Paris Olympics success, Rivera received a Proclamation from Plano's Mayor John B. Muns, which officially declared December 17th as "Hezly Rivera Day" in the Texan city, recognizing her Paris Olympics achievement.

Rivera received this recognition after being honored as the Holiday Spirit Ambassador at the Plano Holiday Parade held on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, in Downtown, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, local clubs, exquisite cars, and more.

Reflecting on the heartfelt week, she wrote:

"Such a cool week in Plano," she wrote. "I received a Proclamation from the Mayor on behalf of the city of Plano. December 17th is Hezly Rivera day in Plano🫢 and I also attended the Plano Holiday Christmas Parade! so blessed❤️ #texas #plano."

"We’ll see how prepared I am" - Hezly Rivera opens up on her 2025 goals

Hezly Rivera throwing the first pitch between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees in Texas. (Photo: Getty Images)

Following her Olympic feat, Hezly Rivera expressed her uncertainty about the upcoming event, especially competitions at the national circuit.

However, she opened up about her long-term goals, which included competing at the 2025, 2026, and 2027 World Gymnastics Championships and the 2028 LA Olympics. During an interview with Olympics.com, she emphasized taking small steps to measure progress.

“I don’t know yet," she said. "You’ll probably see me at Classics… or Winter Cup. We’ll see how prepared I am or what I feel like, so we’re just taking that very slow, one step at a time.”

“My goals are the 2025 Worlds, and ’26, ’27, and then the Olympics in 2028. Those are my long-term goals. But, obviously, I have little goals to worry about each and every day. I just set tiny goals, not just every day, but like every month, and just take it one step at a time and see where it takes me.”

She secured the gold medal at the French capital alongside alongside Suni Lee, Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey.