Laurie Hernandez

Laurie Hernandez, born on June ninth, two thousand, is a celebrated American retired artistic gymnast and sports commentator. She gained international fame as a member of the U.S. women's gymnastics team known as the 'Final Five,' which clinched the team gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. In addition to her team success, Hernandez showcased her individual talent by earning a silver medal on the balance beam during the same Olympic Games.

Hernandez's journey in gymnastics began when she was first selected for the U.S. gymnastics national team in two thousand thirteen. Despite facing setbacks, including a missed season in two thousand fourteen due to injury, she triumphed by winning the junior all-around title at the 2015 U.S. Championships. Her accolades continued to grow as she contributed to team gold victories at the 2016 City of Jesolo Trophy and the 2016 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships.

After taking a break from gymnastics, Hernandez returned to training in late two thousand eighteen with aspirations of qualifying for the 2020 Summer Olympics. However, she did not secure a spot at the Olympic Trials. Beyond her athletic achievements, she has made a name for herself in entertainment, winning season twenty-three of Dancing with the Stars in 2016 alongside partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy.

In addition to her television appearances, Hernandez hosted the inaugural season of American Ninja Warrior Junior as the on-course reporter and lent her voice to the character Valeria in the Nickelodeon animated miniseries Middle School Moguls. She is also an accomplished author, having penned two books: I Got This: To Gold and Beyond, which became a New York Times Bestseller, and She's Got This, a children's book that inspires young readers.