Laurie Hernandez – The Gymnast Who Shined in the Olympics and Beyond

Laurie Hernandez, born Lauren Zoe Hernandez, is an American gymnast who captured the hearts of many with her powerful performances and charismatic presence. She was born on June 9, 2000, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and quickly made a name for herself in the world of gymnastics. As a member of the 2016 U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team, famously called "The Final Five," Hernandez helped secure a gold medal for the U.S. team and earned a silver medal for herself in the balance beam event.

In addition to her success in gymnastics, Hernandez has become an advocate for mental health awareness and continues to inspire young athletes around the world with her story of perseverance, talent, and resilience.

Summary of Laurie Hernandez’s Accomplishments

Key Takeaways

• Laurie Hernandez was born on June 9, 2000, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
• She won one gold and one silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
• Hernandez became the youngest winner of Dancing with the Stars at age 16.
• She is an advocate for mental health awareness and has authored two books.

Laurie Hernandez Latest News 2024

As of 2024, Laurie Hernandez has shifted her focus from competing in gymnastics to championing important social causes, particularly mental health awareness. After taking a break from gymnastics post-2016, Hernandez attempted a comeback in 2020 but ultimately decided to retire from competitive gymnastics. Since then, she has worked on various projects, including her advocacy work, motivational speaking, and writing.

In recent interviews, Hernandez has been open about the mental health challenges faced by athletes, especially young gymnasts, and the importance of addressing these issues. Her courage in sharing her own struggles has earned her widespread respect.

Laurie Hernandez Facts

Here are some key facts about Laurie Hernandez that showcase her remarkable journey:

• Full Name: Lauren Zoe Hernandez
• Birthdate: June 9, 2000
• Olympic Medals: 1 gold (team) and 1 silver (balance beam) from the 2016 Rio Olympics
• Notable Achievement: Youngest winner of Dancing with the Stars (Season 23)
• Cultural Impact: First Latina gymnast to qualify for the Olympics
• Books Authored: I Got This: To Gold and Beyond and She’s Got This

Hernandez began gymnastics at the age of five, and her early passion for the sport led her to quickly rise through the ranks. She has inspired countless young athletes with her dedication to her craft, her vibrant personality, and her willingness to speak out about important issues.

Laurie Hernandez Family

Family has always played an essential role in Laurie Hernandez’s life. She is the youngest of three children born to Anthony and Wanda Hernandez, both of Puerto Rican descent. Her father works as a court officer, and her mother, Wanda, served in the Army Reserves before becoming a social worker. Laurie’s older brother, Marcus, and older sister, Jelysa, have also been supportive figures throughout her gymnastics career.

Hernandez has always emphasized how important her family has been in helping her stay grounded during the intense pressure of competing at the highest levels. Their support, combined with her hard work, helped her become a world-class athlete.

Laurie Hernandez Education

To balance her rigorous gymnastics training with academics, Laurie Hernandez was homeschooled through the Abeka Academy distance-learning program. This approach allowed her the flexibility to pursue her dreams of becoming an elite gymnast while continuing her education. Despite the challenges of juggling both, Hernandez has always been committed to learning and personal growth.

How Many Medals Does Laurie Hernandez Have?

Laurie Hernandez has won a total of two Olympic medals. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she secured a gold medal as part of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, "The Final Five." In the individual balance beam event, she earned a silver medal for her remarkable performance.

Laurie Hernandez Interesting Facts

Laurie Hernandez is not just known for her athletic accomplishments; she has also become a pop culture figure and a role model for many. Some interesting facts about Laurie include:

• Dancing with the Stars: She became the youngest winner of Dancing with the Stars in 2016 at just 16 years old.
• Advocate for Mental Health: After stepping away from gymnastics, Laurie became a vocal advocate for mental health in sports, encouraging athletes to prioritize their well-being.
• Latina Heritage: Laurie is proud of her Puerto Rican roots and often speaks about the importance of representation in gymnastics.
• Author: She has written two books, sharing her journey and the lessons she has learned along the way.

Laurie Hernandez Quotes

Laurie Hernandez has shared many inspiring quotes throughout her career. One of her most well-known quotes reflects her pride in her heritage and her responsibility as a role model:

“I’m just proud of my heritage…the fact that I’m carrying Puerto Rico on my back a little bit, I think that’s an honor.”

Her words resonate with many who look up to her not just as an athlete, but as a person who uses her platform to create positive change.

When Was Laurie Hernandez Born?

Laurie Hernandez was born on June 9, 2000, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. At just 24 years old, she has already achieved more than many do in a lifetime, and her future remains bright as she continues to inspire others with her journey.

When Did Laurie Hernandez Die?

As of 2024, Laurie Hernandez is alive and well. There have been no reports of her death, and she continues to make a positive impact through her advocacy work, motivational speaking, and involvement in projects outside of gymnastics.

FAQs

When was Laurie Hernandez born?
Laurie Hernandez was born on June 9, 2000, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

How many medals does Laurie Hernandez have?
Laurie Hernandez has two Olympic medals: one gold from the team event and one silver from the balance beam event at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

What is Laurie Hernandez doing in 2024?
In 2024, Laurie Hernandez continues to advocate for mental health awareness, particularly in sports, and engages in motivational speaking and writing.

What books has Laurie Hernandez written?
Laurie Hernandez has written two books: I Got This: To Gold and Beyond and She’s Got This.

What is a famous quote by Laurie Hernandez?
One of Laurie Hernandez’s famous quotes is: "I’m just proud of my heritage…the fact that I’m carrying Puerto Rico on my back a little bit, I think that’s an honor."

Did Laurie Hernandez ever win Dancing with the Stars?
Yes, Laurie Hernandez won Season 23 of Dancing with the Stars in 2016, becoming the youngest winner at age 16.

What is Laurie Hernandez known for aside from gymnastics?
Besides her gymnastics career, Laurie Hernandez is known for her mental health advocacy and her appearance on Dancing with the Stars. She has also authored two books and speaks publicly about her experiences as an athlete.