Olympian Laurie Hernandez Shines as Paris’s Newest Breakout Star, No Competition Needed

Two-time Olympic medal-winning gymnast Laurie Hernandez’s innovative approach as a TV analyst has quickly garnered acclaim.

PARIS, France — Laurie Hernandez taps her head and pauses for a moment.

“There’s a lot going on in here,” the former gymnast turned TV analyst jokes with a laugh. “A lot of chatter.”

That openness has endeared Hernandez to viewers, cementing her position as a beloved commentator. Her engaging style resonates with TV audiences and online communities alike.

Eight years ago, Hernandez was the youngest member of the Simone Biles-led “Final Five” team that clinched the gold medal in Rio de Janeiro. She also secured a silver on beam, becoming a breakout star with her vibrant personality.

Her perspective has evolved since then, but her enthusiasm remains unchanged. Broadcasting alongside Rich Lerner, Hernandez faces a different kind of nerves compared to her competitive days. Her passion for gymnastics is evident, as is her excitement when spotting celebrities like Seth Rogen in the audience.

“Seeing Seth Rogen at a gymnastics event? That’s so cool,” Hernandez remarked. “I just wouldn’t expect him there.”

Dubbed the “Hernandez effect,” she blends empathy, insight, and humor in her commentary. Her firsthand experience in a demanding sport shapes her approach. This perspective helps her highlight mistakes without being overly critical since perfection in gymnastics is impossible.

Hernandez explains the inevitability of wobbles and falls, helping casual viewers understand the complexities of the sport. She also breaks down the nuances that might lead to unexpected scores, what she calls “ghost deductions.”

“To the naked eye, it looks perfect, and it mostly is,” she explained. “But there are hidden deductions that only experts can catch.”

While gymnasts face judgment, Hernandez doesn’t escape scrutiny herself. Despite aspiring to ignore social media criticism, being Gen Z means she’s innately tuned in. Unafraid to address critics, she requests they keep her untagged.

Sometimes, relatable references from social media seep into her commentary. This spontaneity adds authenticity to her performance, even if it’s unconventional. When nervous, her strategy is simple: imagine she’s chatting with friends at a party.

“Think of it as everyone having a drink and hanging out, and I just know a lot about what’s on TV,” she said, encapsulating her laid-back yet knowledgeable style.