Laurie Hernandez: The Captivating Gymnast Whose Infectious Personality Lit Up the Games
By Jayson Panganiban July 30, 2024 07:44
Laurie Hernandez, born on June 9, 2000, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is more than just an American gymnast; she embodies inspiration and resilience. From her early days in Old Bridge Township to her breathtaking performances on the Olympic stage, Hernandez's journey is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. As a member of the famed "Final Five" at the 2016 Rio Olympics, her dazzling skills, vibrant personality, and unwavering spirit earned her medals and the hearts of fans worldwide. Hernandez's story is one of a young girl's dream materializing into reality, making her a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.
Her Rise to the Top
Hernandez started learning gymnastics at six when her parents signed her up for classes in their local town. Hernandez showed elite potential starting at nine and was invited to USA Gymnastics development camps. Her passion and talent for the sport carried her from junior gymnastics to competing on a national scale by 2012. She reached major milestones in 2015, winning junior all-around titles at the U.S. Classic and U.S. National Championships to establish herself as a potential future gymnastics star.
Hernandez took the crucial step of moving to senior elite Gymnastics in 2016. She also finished third in the all-around competition and medaled on uneven bars and balance beam at the U.S. National Championships. Her dazzling showings at the U.S. Olympic Trials punched in a ticket for this diamond to crack "The Final Five" U.S. women's gymnastics team, which already has Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, and Madison Kocian.
2016 Rio Olympics
The 2016 Rio Olympics were a turning point in Laurie Hernandez's career. The youngest U.S. women's gymnastics team member, she was an instant fan favorite for her athletic skill, vibrant personality, and megawatt smile. Hernandez was nearly flawless in all-around and team competitions. She scored 15.100 on the Vault, 15.233 on the Balance Beam, and Floor Exercise during the recently concluded team competition. Together with her teammates, she quickly expanded their team lead and anchored the U.S. to its first gold medal of these Olympic Games.
Hernandez's performance on the balance beam was perhaps the most notable. She posted the second-highest scoring routine, good enough for a silver medal with 15.333 points. Gold went to Sanne Wevers of the Netherlands. The accomplishment was also a milestone not just for Hernandez but also for the Latinas in gymnastics. She is the first US Latina on an Olympic team, too. Her teammate Simone Biles, the favorite for gold that season, suffered a rare stumble that was out of character and all but left Hernandez to take over on gymnastics' biggest international platform.
How Hernandez's Charisma Left an Impression
Laurie Hernandez's appeal in the Olympics goes beyond just her technical proficiency but also because of some real passion and charisma. Hernandez was always on fire and remained contagious when you watched her dance. Her relatability to fans and how she wore her emotions on her sleeve made Biles a hero in gymnastics circles and beyond.
Hernandez also addressed mental health in interviews and the challenges athletes undergo. "I have been training so hard that I'm really happy that at the end of it, the routine was what I do every single day and at least done nothing more, nothing less." she stated. Her willingness to share creatives helped make her seem more human and gave fans something they could relate to in both struggles and victories.
Post-Olympic Career and Media Presence
Hernandez went on to have a successful career following her Olympic win. Though she quit gymnastics for a few years, she soon found a second life in show business. She competed in Dancing with the Stars in 2016, showing off her moves and taking home the top prize thanks to her pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
Hernandez has additionally dabbled in television commentary, having been involved with covering gymnastics action at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. These gave viewers unique perspectives thanks to her insights and experience, showcasing her loyalty to the sport. She also composed a personal history called I Got This: To Gold and Beyond in 2017, which subtleties her excursion to the games industry and the obstacles she confronted in her journey. She published a children's picture book, She's Got This, to inspire young readers and empower them with the knowledge that they have what it takes to dream big as love fiercely.
Furthermore, Hernandez has been a spokesperson for mental health in sports. In 2020, she courageously revealed the emotional abuse from her former coach, Maggie Haney, throughout most of her gymnastics career.
On the Whole
The influence of the Olympian on gymnastics and popular culture reaches far beyond her medals. The life of an inspirational gymnast with a contagious personality encourages people to live out their dreams and reminds the world that mental health is important.
Hernandez's legacy as a sports pioneer for Latinas and her commitment to lifting others up will undoubtedly shape the ambitions of those coming behind. As she proceeds at this career crossroads, it continues to be a metaphor for aspiring athletes and fans.
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