Latina Gymnast Laurie Hernandez Earns Spot On U.S. Olympic Team
Laurie Hernandez, who just turned 16, is the first U.S.-born Latina since 1984 to go to the Olympics with the U.S. gymnastic team, and she is also one of the youngest U.S. athlete to go to Rio.
The New Jersey gymnast of Puerto Rican heritage has won the hearts of many for her vibrant routines. As NBC reports, “International Gymnast Magazine called Hernandez the “Human emoji” and gymnastics podcast Gymcastic nicknamed her “baby Shakira.” With her early dance training and inimitable style, Hernandez always puts on a show when she performs.” On Twitter, she had fun posting her reaction to making the Olympics team.
So proud of everyone who competed❤️ I can finally say I’m representing USA at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. ???? pic.twitter.com/ehW7EvQZlA
— Laurie Hernandez ➶ (@lzhernandez02) July 11, 2016
When you find out you’re going to the olympics>> pic.twitter.com/st3A26seDM
— Laurie Hernandez ➶ (@lzhernandez02) July 11, 2016
Hernandez is a gymnast to watch; in 2015: she went undefeated in the four competitions she participated in, two domestic and two international.
At the national championships, she won all-around gold and also medals on all four events, including gold on uneven bars, as well as silver on floor exercise, and bronzes on vault and balance beam.
Congratulations to Laurie Hernandez on this huge accomplishment, and we wish you well in Rio!!!
Source: http://nbcnews.com