Three High School Students Find Success in Paris

During their summer break, high school students Hezly Rivera, Quincy Wilson, and Alex Shackell achieved the remarkable feat of winning gold for Team USA.

Upon their return, these talented Olympians will resume their studies in English and math, with an inspiring story of pride and victory.

Emerging as the youngest athlete on Team USA, Rivera secured a gold medal for the women’s gymnastics team finals, standing alongside renowned gymnasts Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, and Suni Lee.

Expressing her gratitude, Rivera shared, “This experience was truly amazing, and supporting the team meant the world to me. It felt surreal to be part of it.”

While Rivera didn’t compete in the final gymnastics team event due to not qualifying in the bars and beam, her overall performance contributed to the U.S. women’s team victory.

absolutely loving the commentators talking about how important hezly rivera is to this team and how just because she isn’t competing, doesn’t mean she contributed any less to wherever they stand at the end of the night 🥹

— aman (@royaltothebay) July 30, 2024

Attending the Inspire Academy, an online school, Rivera enjoys the flexibility it offers to manage her intensive training schedule.

Wilson, the youngest male track and field athlete from the U.S., ran the first leg of the U.S. men’s 4×400-meter relay, securing qualification for the final and a gold medal, despite admitting to not performing at his best.

Acknowledging his teammates’ support and cheering them to an Olympic record victory, Wilson reflected on his achievement as a testament to overcoming the impossible.

Drawing attention on social media, Wilson expressed his reluctance about returning to school after his Paris performance, emphasizing the weight of his Olympic success.

Dang, I really got school in 2 and a half weeks💔 #Gold #OlympicGamesParis pic.twitter.com/58xEJBMQWi

— Quincy “Q” Wilson (@QuincyWilson5) August 11, 2024

Wilson’s sentiments about the impending school year resonated with many social media users, prompting a flood of humorous responses regarding the return from an Olympic triumph to classroom routines.

Them “what did yall do over summer break” conversations gonna hit different lmao.

— Ashlee (@tweetwithashlee) August 11, 2024

When the teacher asks for answers, raise your medal instead of your hand.

— Becc. (@beccsalright) August 11, 2024

I would wear that to school literally every day with nothing but a plain white t under it lol

— Brandon D. Washington (@ghostzapperfan) August 11, 2024

Shackell’s participation in the preliminary rounds played a key role in securing Olympic medals for her and her teammates.

Winning a silver medal in the 4×200 freestyle relay and a gold medal in the 4×100 medley relay, Shackell etched her name in history as a trailblazer for Carmel High School, becoming the first female student from Carmel to win an Olympic swimming medal.

Many know her as an @USASwimming Olympian. We know her as a student. Welcome back to our @chsinfo @CarmelSwimming Senior Greyhound @Alex1shackell! We are so proud of you. Go Hounds! pic.twitter.com/LkMtvGSkmu

— Tim Phares (@Tim4Phares) August 12, 2024

Reflecting on her achievement, Shackell expressed her joy at fulfilling a childhood dream of winning an Olympic medal, emphasizing the surreal feeling of holding the medal she had longed for since the age of eight.

Shackell’s triumph also underlined her as the second female high school student from Indiana to claim an Olympic swimming medal, solidifying her place in history.

Considering the future, fans eagerly await the return of Rivera, Wilson, and Shackell to the Olympic stage in 2028, when the Summer Games will be hosted in Los Angeles, California, after completing their academic obligations.

Discover more about the remarkable high school athletes who represented Team USA this summer here.