Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
Gymnast Hezly Rivera, 15, is the youngest athlete to represent the United States at the Paris Olympics. She attributes her success to her unwavering faith and inspiration from the Bible.
Hezly Rivera (WOGA)
Amanda Harris, Hezly’s coach, recalls the young athlete’s tenacity. “Hezly has always been a hard worker, but what sets her apart is her faith,” she said. “She believes that her talent is a gift from God and that she has a responsibility to use it to glorify him.”
Hezly’s path to the Olympics included injuries, intense competition and the pressure of balancing training with schoolwork. However, she always retained her faith. Her favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:31, provided Hezly with the strength and perseverance she needed to keep pushing forward: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
She recited this verse before every practice and competition. When Hezly finally stepped onto the Olympic stage, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. “I knew that God was with me,” she said. “I had worked hard, but I also knew that I couldn’t do it alone. I needed his strength and guidance.”
She executed her routines with precision and grace, earning her a spot on the podium. As she accepted her medal, tears streamed down her face. “This is all for him,” she said, pointing to the sky. “I couldn’t have done it without his love and support.”
READ: How Bibles are being distributed at the Olympics
Hezly has become a role model not only for her athletic prowess but also for her unwavering faith. “It’s important to remember that we are not alone in our journey,” she said. “God is always with us, and with his help, we can achieve great things.”
Her victory at the Olympics is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. Her favorite verse continues to inspire her and countless others to trust in God’s plan and to soar on wings like eagles.
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice
