Olympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera withdraws from world gymnastics championships with ankle injury

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) — The U.S. women's national gymnastics team will have to make a go of it at the world championships without Hezly Rivera.

The 18-year-old Rivera, the youngest member of the U.S. team that captured gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a two-time national all-around champion, withdrew from worlds on Saturday because of a left ankle injury.

Rivera had been dealing with pain in the ankle during training. She told reporters on Thursday she was “day to day." Rivera will be replaced on the five-woman team by alternate Dulcy Caylor.

The U.S. women, who are seeking their eighth straight world team title, are scheduled to compete in qualifying on Sunday.

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