15 Fun Facts About Laurie Hernandez You Didn't Know!

Hello there, gymnasts, sports enthusiasts, and fans of all things amazing! Today, we're diving into the incredible world of Laurie Hernandez, the powerhouse gymnast who captured our hearts with her grace, strength, and that unforgettable smile. So, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's explore 15 fun facts about this talented young woman. Who knows, you might just learn something new! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fun facts about laurie hernandez.

Laurie's Gymnastics Journey Began Early

Lauren Joy Hernandez, born on June 9, 2000, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, started her gymnastics journey at the tender age of five. Her parents enrolled her in a local gymnastics class to help her burn off some energy, and the rest, as they say, is history! Laurie Hernandez quickly showed promise, and it wasn't long before she was competing at the national level.

The "Human Emoji" Nickname

You might know Laurie as the "Human Emoji" – a nickname she earned for her expressive and energetic personality. But did you know that this moniker wasn't always a hit with her? In an interview with Teen Vogue, Laurie admitted that she wasn't a fan of the nickname at first, but she's since grown to embrace it.

Laurie's Love for Dance

When she's not flipping and twisting on the beam or floor, Laurie Hernandez loves to dance! She's even taken dance classes outside of gymnastics, including ballet and hip-hop. Her love for dance has even influenced her gymnastics routines, with many of her floor exercises featuring intricate choreography.

As of 2021, Laurie Hernandez has amassed a massive following on social media, with over 1.5 million Instagram followers and 250,000 Twitter followers. She uses her platforms to connect with fans, share her journey, and advocate for causes she believes in. But did you know that Laurie was once a social media intern? She worked as an intern for BuzzFeed while still competing as an elite gymnast!

Laurie's Olympic Dream

At just 16 years old, Laurie Hernandez made history as the youngest member of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team, also known as the "Final Five." She helped the team win the gold medal and also took home the silver medal in the individual balance beam competition. But did you know that Laurie initially thought she wouldn't make the Olympic team? In an interview with The Today Show, she admitted that she was shocked and ecstatic when she found out she had made the team.

Laurie's "Laurie-Laurie" Trademark

One of Laurie Hernandez's most iconic moves is her signature "Laurie-Laurie" – a backflip with a twist that she performs on the floor exercise. She created this move herself and has since trademarked it, making it her unique stamp on the sport of gymnastics.

A "Dancing with the Stars" Champion

In 2017, Laurie Hernandez took a break from competitive gymnastics to compete on the popular dance show Dancing with the Stars. She and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, won the Mirrorball Trophy, making Laurie the youngest champion in the show's history. But did you know that Laurie initially turned down the offer to compete on the show? She was worried about the time commitment and the potential impact on her gymnastics training, but she eventually decided to give it a try and is glad she did!

Laurie's Advocacy for Mental Health

Off the gymnastics mat, Laurie Hernandez is an advocate for mental health awareness. She has been open about her own struggles with anxiety and has used her platform to encourage others to seek help and support when they need it. In 2020, she partnered with The Child Mind Institute to launch the #MyYoungerSelf campaign, which aims to break down stigmas surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations about the topic.

Laurie's Love for Books

When she's not training or performing, Laurie Hernandez loves to curl up with a good book. She's a self-proclaimed bookworm and has even started her own book club, called "Laurie's Book Nook," on Instagram. She shares her favorite books and encourages her followers to read along with her.

Laurie's Puerto Rican Heritage

Laurie Hernandez is incredibly proud of her Puerto Rican heritage. Her parents, Anthony and Wanda, immigrated to the United States from Puerto Rico, and Laurie has visited the island several times. She even competed for Puerto Rico at the 2018 Pan American Championships, winning the gold medal in the team competition. Laurie has said that her Puerto Rican heritage has had a significant influence on her life and has instilled in her a strong sense of pride and resilience.

Laurie's Favorite Food: Tacos

If you follow Laurie Hernandez on social media, you know that she loves food – especially tacos! She's been known to post about her love for tacos and has even shared her favorite taco recipes with her followers. But did you know that Laurie once had a dream about winning the Olympic gold medal while eating tacos? She told People magazine that she had a vivid dream about competing in the Olympics and then celebrating with a giant plate of tacos!

Laurie's Love for Pets

Laurie Hernandez is a self-proclaimed "dog mom" and loves spending time with her furry friends. She has two dogs, a miniature pinscher named Lucky and a chihuahua mix named Chloe. She often shares photos and videos of her dogs on social media and has even started a hashtag, #LuckyAndChloe, to celebrate her love for her pets.

Laurie's Goal to Become a Doctor

Believe it or not, Laurie Hernandez has her sights set on a career in medicine! She's expressed an interest in becoming a doctor and has even started taking classes to prepare for medical school. In an interview with Teen Vogue, she said, "I want to be able to help people in a different way than I do with gymnastics. I want to be able to help people physically and mentally."

Laurie's Inspiration for Young Girls

Laurie Hernandez has become an inspiration for young girls all over the world. She's known for her incredible talent, her positive attitude, and her unwavering determination. But perhaps what sets her apart is her ability to connect with her fans and make them feel seen and heard. She's a role model for young girls, showing them that they can achieve their dreams, no matter how big or small.

Laurie's Future Plans

So, what's next for Laurie Hernandez? Well, she's currently taking a break from elite gymnastics to focus on her mental health and explore new opportunities. She's continuing to advocate for mental health awareness, working on her book club, and even starting a podcast with her friend and fellow gymnast, Morgan Hurd. She's also expressed an interest in competing in the 2024 Olympics, so we'll have to wait and see what the future holds for this incredible young woman!

And there you have it, folks – 15 fun facts about Laurie Hernandez that you might not have known! We hope you've enjoyed learning more about this amazing gymnast, and we can't wait to see what she does next. Until then, keep flipping, keep dancing, and keep being your awesome selves!