Before competition really heats up, here are some fun facts to know about gymnasticss newest star.
It all started thanks to a birthday party.
The news probably didnt come as a huge surprise to her parents, though.
Getty Images/Amanda K Bailey
Rivera says her sister actually raised the possibility with them even before that, when she was just four.
She admits that some of the skills could be a little scary.
Usually the skills I do every day, I dont get scared for them, she says.
When youre just getting started, though, that can be another story.
When Rivera was younger, doing twists on the floor exercise intimidated her.
Not knowing where you are in the air is kind of scary.
Rivera trains with Nastia Liukins parents.
There, shes coached by Valeri and Anna Liukin, the parents of five-time Olympic medalist Nastia Liukin.
She just joined the senior level a few months ago.
According toUSA Gymnastics, shell be just the sixth gymnast to make an Olympic team as a first-year senior.
Her favorite event is the uneven bars.
That left Team USA feeling a particular hole in the beam andbars.
And thats where Rivera stepped up: My favorite event is bars, she tells SELF.
It feels like Im flying.
The swing of it just comes very naturally to me.
Shell be the youngest Olympian on Team USA.
Shes at the gym six days a week.
Rivera trains Monday through Saturday, and doubles up on Mondays through Thursdays.
She has just one workout on Friday and Saturdays, so shes done by noon.
And honestly, I love our schedule.
When she needs to unwind, Rivera turns to baking.
I only do box mixes, which I know isntreallybaking, but its still fun, she says.
Red velvet and chocolate cakes.
She only bakes once every few months, but still, its a nice hobby for me.
She can get good sleep anywhere.
I get good sleep while Im traveling or away from home, she says.
Sticking to a routine helpsand so does kicking gymnastics out of her mind.
I always pray before I go to bed, and that helps me a lot, Rivera says.
Any games to get my mind off of the gym is very helpful, she says.
I just make a run at go to sleep with the blank headspace and not overthink.
Shes excited to have Olympic veterans in her corner.
Theyve been through all of this before and they know what to expect already, she says.
So I think theyre just going to be such great role models for me during my first Games.
And she has some advice shed like to share with the young crop of gymnasts who may be watching.
But always remember to have fun with what youre doing as well.
Additional reporting by Lauren Alberti.
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