Overview
Lauren Zoe "Laurie" Hernandez (born June 9, 2000) is an American artistic gymnast and entertainer. She emerged as one of the most visible members of the United States women's gymnastics team in the mid-2010s, combining athletic skill with a distinctive expressive style that drew attention both inside and outside the sport.
Gymnastics career and major results
Hernandez rose through the junior and senior elite ranks to become a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 2016. At the 2016 Summer Olympics she contributed to the team's gold medal and won an individual silver medal on the balance beam. Her performances were noted for clean lines, confident tumbling and a lively presentation that connected with audiences and judges alike.
- 2016 Olympic Games: team gold (United States), silver — balance beam
- Recognized nationally for strong showing as a teenager on the international stage
Media, television and public appearances
After the Olympics Hernandez expanded into entertainment and television. She won season 23 of Dancing with the Stars, partnering with Val Chmerkovskiy, which broadened her public profile beyond gymnastics. In 2017 she made guest appearances on family television programs, including an episode of Stuck in the Middle and an appearance on Sesame Street. These roles highlighted her appeal as a youth ambassador and on-screen performer.
Style, public image and influence
Hernandez is widely appreciated for combining technical difficulty with expressive choreography and a personable stage presence. As a young Olympic medalist and television figure, she has been a visible example of a modern elite gymnast navigating sport, media and public life. She has also spoken openly about the pressures athletes face, helping to focus attention on athlete welfare and the transition from elite sport to broader careers.
Notable facts and legacy
Although best known for her Olympic medals, Hernandez's broader significance includes bringing gymnastics to mainstream entertainment audiences and serving as a role model for young athletes. Her path from elite competition to television and public advocacy illustrates how contemporary gymnasts often combine sport with media, outreach and personal branding.