The 16-year-old hails from Old Bridge, New Jersey, and is the first Puerto Rican and just the third Latina to make the US gymnastics team. Hernandez is the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team’s youngest member, having only just qualified for the team when she turned 16 on June 9th this year.
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Though some might doubt Hernandez has the experience to help a group that already includes Biles and Douglas, she took to gymnastics at an early age and has followed through on her aspirations ever since. “This was not an easy decision to make, but by making the decision now, it allows me to focus entirely on gymnastics and how I can enjoy this sport that I love”.
Hernandez won the junior US title past year and has become a crowd favorite this season with her strong showing on beam and captivating floor routine.
The first-year senior made the team after finishing third at USA championships and second at Olympic trials last month. Here are 5 more facts about Laurie Hernandez that are just as impressive.
The U.S. women’s gymnastics team showed no signs of trouble, though, going 20 for 20: all five gymnasts got through all four events with no major mistakes.
While Hernandez resides in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey – her parents, Wanda and Anthony – are from Puerto Rico. She is set to compete in six events for Team USA this Olympics and is one of the sport’s upcoming stars.
Douglas, Biles, Raisman and Hernandez are all strong contenders for the Olympic all-around podium, but the two-per-country rule means that only half of them will advance to the final.
Hernandez showed maturity beyond her years when asked about being potentially left out of the bars line-up. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images Sport/Getty ImagesSAN JOSE, CA – JULY 08: Lauren Hernandez competes on the floor exercise during Day 1 of the 2016 U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Olympic Trials at SAP Center on July 8, 2016 in San Jose, California.
My earliest memory was watching gymnastics on live TV, and wanting to do what the “big girls” did.
Hernandez now trains at MG Elite (Monmouth Gymnastics Academy) in Morganville and her coaches are Maggie Haney and Victoria Levine.
“I wouldn’t say I’m disappointed”, Hernandez said after training.
With more than 10,000 athletes from over 200 countries spread across the 2016 Rio Summer Games, it may prove hard for any one competitor to stick out.
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Hernandez had previously committed to the University of Florida when Rhonda Faehn was the head coach.
