Dulcy Caylor Replaces Hezly Rivera on U.S. Gymnastics Team
The 17-year-old alternate stepped in to compete after an injury forced Rivera to withdraw from the world championships.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Gymnastics
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Dulcy Caylor joined the U.S. gymnastics team roster at the 2026 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Rotterdam following the withdrawal of Hezly Rivera. Rivera left the competition due to an ankle injury, leaving the alternate to step into the lineup.
Why it matters
The late-notice substitution required Caylor to quickly transition from her role as an alternate to an active competitor. Her participation proved critical as the U.S. team secured a silver medal during the event.
Caylor earned a 13.300 score on the balance beam during qualification. She was notified of her inclusion in the active roster 24 hours before qualification began.
The players
Dulcy Caylor
She is a 17-year-old gymnast who represented the United States at the world championships.
Hezly Rivera
She is a competitive gymnast who withdrew from the world championships due to injury.
The details
Caylor traveled to the Netherlands as the team alternate and ultimately competed in both the balance beam and floor exercise events. Her last-minute promotion followed Rivera's withdrawal from the competition roster on October 20.
Timeline
January 2026: Caylor expressed doubts regarding her future in the sport.
July 2026: Caylor suffered falls during her performance at the U.S. Classic.
October 20, 2026: Hezly Rivera withdrew from the competition due to an ankle injury.
October 21, 2026: Dulcy Caylor competed in the team final.
Season Trajectory
This roster move highlights the volatility of international competition rosters where alternates must be prepared to contribute at any moment. The successful integration of Caylor helped the U.S. team secure a silver medal despite the mid-event lineup change.
Caylor's performance on the beam and floor directly impacted the final team score, helping secure the silver medal for the United States. Her rapid transition from alternate to active roster participant underscores the critical importance of depth in international gymnastics squads.
The takeaway
Maintaining physical readiness is essential for alternates who may be called upon to perform under extreme pressure with minimal notice. Athletes like Caylor demonstrate that preparation and mental resilience are just as vital as physical skill when championship lineups change unexpectedly.
Further reading
For more on recent competitive results, visit the United States Gymnastics section.
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