US gymnast Lauren Hernandez competes in the Floor event during the women's team final Artistic Gymnastics at the Olympic Arena during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 9, 2016. / AFP / Emmanuel DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)
Who Is Laurie Hernandez?
Laurie Hernandez, an American gymnast, gained widespread fame as a member of the 2016 U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team, known as “The Final Five.” She earned a team gold medal and an individual silver medal at the Rio Olympics, showcasing her exceptional talent and charisma.
Early Life and Gymnastics Beginnings
Born on June 9, 2000, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Lauren “Laurie” Hernandez is the youngest of three children to Anthony and Wanda Hernandez. Her mother, a social worker and Army Reserve veteran, and her father, a court officer, encouraged athleticism in their children. Laurie began gymnastics at age six in Old Bridge, New Jersey, where she was discovered by coach Maggie Haney. By age nine, she was excelling at USA Gymnastics development camps. Despite setbacks like a dislocated kneecap and fractured wrist in 2014, she bounced back, earning multiple medals in 2015 competitions.
Road to the Rio Olympics
In July 2016, Hernandez competed in San Jose, California, for a spot on Team USA. Her captivating dance moves, vibrant personality, and expressive performances secured her place alongside Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Simone Biles, and Madison Kocian for the Rio Olympics.
2016 Summer Olympic Games
At just 16, Laurie Hernandez became the youngest member of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team and turned professional shortly before the Rio Games. In the team competition, her stellar performances on the vault, balance beam, and floor exercise contributed to the U.S. team’s gold medal victory. “The Final Five” team, consisting of Hernandez, Biles, Douglas, Raisman, and Kocian, earned their nickname in honor of coach Marta Karolyi’s last Olympics and because future teams would have only four members.
Hernandez also won a silver medal in the individual balance beam event with a score of 15.333, demonstrating her composure and skill despite her nerves. Her teammate Simone Biles took bronze, while Sanne Wevers of the Netherlands claimed gold.
‘Dancing With the Stars’
After her Olympic success, Laurie Hernandez joined Season 23 of “Dancing With the Stars,” partnering with Val Chmerkovskiy. The duo’s impressive performances led them to victory in November 2016, beating Canadian race car driver James Hinchcliffe and his partner, Sharna Burgess.
QUICK FACTS
Laurie Hernandez’s journey from a young gymnast to an Olympic champion and a “Dancing With the Stars” winner highlights her remarkable talent, determination, and charm.
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