Hezly Rivera is a well-known figure in the world of gymnastics. Rivera had achieved an incredible feat and become the youngest member of Team USA to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. This iconic moment of her qualifying for the Olympics was not only seen by the fans, but also by her parents.

The 16-year-old’s parents are Henry Rivera and Heidy Ruiz. Her birthday is on June 4, 2008, and she was born in Hackensack, N.J. She also has two siblings, Hanly and Carhelia, and they were raised in Oradell, N.J. Let’s dive in to see how her parents supported her through the highs and lows of gymnastics.

Who is Hezly Rivera’s mother, Heidy Ruiz?

Heidy Ruiz is Hezly’s mother and her pillar of strength through all troubles in life. She is originally from the Dominican Republic and played a huge role in supporting Hezly’s journey while managing her school, training, and travel due to competitions. Hezly’s mother generally avoids the media spotlight but is deeply supportive of her daughter’s career. Heidy moved with Hezly to Texas to help her train at WOGA.

Ever since she was five, she has always been inclined towards gymnastics. It was all thanks to People magazine, we got a glimpse of how her mother motivates her before any major competition. Heidy also mentioned that every time her daughter goes out on the floor, she reminds her to “be brave, be confident, she’s got this.” 

Who is Hezly Rivera’s father, Henry Rivera?

Henry Rivera was also born in the Dominican Republic as well just like his wife. He’s a senior software engineer and studied at Stevens Institute of Technology. Henry decided to move the family to Texas so Hezly could train at the best gym. “He is my hero, my rock,” Rivera had once told the reporters about her father after the 2024 U.S. Olympic trials. “He always pushes me to be my best, but he’s also comforting when things get rough.”

Henry and Heidy planned to shift their family to Plano, Texas, so Hezly could train under five-time Olympic medalist Nastia Liukin’s dad, Valeri Liukin. He has also trained Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas. Henry was interviewed by NBC before Hezly’s first performance, and expressed that he was firm on the family’s decision to move to Texas.

“It means the world to her so it means the world to us as family members,” he said. “We couldn’t ask for anything better than this, this is the outcome we always envisioned so for us its only the beginning.”

Where are Hezly Rivera’s parents from?

Hezly’s mother and father are originally from the Dominican Republic. Heidi’s journey began when her family immigrated to the United States while her parents were still quite young. She made the transition from the Dominican Republic to the U.S. during her high school years, embracing new experiences and challenges in a foreign land.  In a similar story, Henry’s family also left the United States while he was in high school. He found himself settling into life at Union Hill High School in New Jersey, where he navigated the ups and downs of adolescence in a new country.

After graduating, Henry pursued his passion for technology and earned a degree in computer engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology in 2002, laying the foundation for a bright future. Both Heidi and Henry’s stories reflect the resilience and hope that come with pursuing a better life in a new place.

When questions about how her representing the Latin Americans at the Olympics came up, Hezly didn’t shy away. She said as per Remezcla, “I just want to help the community grow. I just want Latinas to be able to look up to me and be like I want to be like her when I grow up, and I want people to look up to me and say, “I want to be like her because she’s Latina.”

Does Hezly Rivera have siblings?

Hezly has two siblings: older sister Carhelis and younger brother Hanly. Carhelis was the one who made Hezly try gymnastics as a child. She is now a marketing consultant and continues to support Hezly.

Hanly, the youngest of the siblings, tends to keep his life private, but he is an important part of the family’s support system. Although not much is there on the internet around her siblings, their father has spoken fondly about Hezly’s younger brother… Especially since they bond over their shared love for the Los Angeles Lakers.

He even shared a series of lively Instagram photos capturing Henry and Hanly passionately cheering for Lakers Nation together. Additionally, Hezly posted a warm family photo from Christmas in 2023, showcasing their togetherness during the holiday season.

 How is Hezly Rivera’s relationship with her parents?

Hezly has always had the unwavering support of her parents throughout her career. When the announcers called her name during the final of the Olympic trials, Henry burst into tears, overwhelmed with emotion. There’s a heartwarming video of him capturing the moment, and his genuine reaction has since gone viral, resonating with  many people.

Her parents’ support was fruitful because she won a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a bronze in the all-around. And now, she is preparing herself for the upcoming LA 2028 Olympics.