Rivera withdraws from Worlds debut after aggravating ankle injury

U.S. gymnast Hezly Rivera withdrew from the World Championships in Rotterdam after aggravating an injury to her left ankle, and alternate Dulcy Caylor will take her place on the five-member team. Rivera had modified training by skipping vault and limiting parts of her floor and beam routines, but the injury prevented her from competing in her long-awaited Worlds debut. The Paris Olympic gold medalist missed last year’s championships after an ankle injury and had remained upbeat about finally joining her teammates in Rotterdam. Rivera’s absence is a setback for the U.S. women, who are seeking to qualify a full team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and extend their run of world team titles dating to 2011.