Olympic Enthusiasts Discover New Sensation as Laurie Hernandez Takes a Step Back

Two-time Olympic medal-winning gymnast Laurie Hernandez’s fresh approach to her new role as a TV analyst has made her a fan favorite.

PARIS, France — Laurie Hernandez pauses briefly and taps her head.

“There’s a lot going on in here,” the two-time Olympic gymnastics medalist turned TV analyst said with a laugh. “There’s a lot of chatter.”

At 24, Hernandez has seamlessly transitioned from elite gymnastics to television, earning praise from viewers and digital spectators alike.

Eight years ago in Rio de Janeiro, she was the youngest member of the “Final Five” team, led by Simone Biles, that clinched gold. Hernandez added a silver on beam in those Games, her exuberance making her an instant crowd favorite.

Now in Paris, the former gymnast offers a distinct perspective on the sport.

She experiences nerves when donning her headset beside broadcast partner Rich Lerner, yet they’re different from her competitive days.

Her love for gymnastics shines through her commentary. The spontaneity she maintains was evident when Seth Rogen appeared in the stands during the women’s all-around finals.

“Of all the people you could cut to? Like, that’s so cool,” Hernandez exclaimed. “But, like, I just would not expect, like, Seth Rogen to go to gymnastics.”

Her commentary embodies empathy, education, and humor. A decade inside a grueling sport informs her approach.

“I don’t know many sports where athletes fear for their lives every time they turn,” Hernandez remarked.

Consequently, she acknowledges mistakes without dwelling on them. Gymnastics necessitates an understanding of its inherent imperfections.

Falls and wobbles are as integral to the sport as leotards and chalk. She aims to explain these moments for viewers, enhancing their understanding.

Similarly, she demystifies discrepancies between what spectators see and judges score. This is what she refers to as “ghost deductions.”

“To the naked eye, this looks marvelous,” she explained. “But there are deductions you can’t see at home that judges notice. It’s up to you to just listen to it or not.”

Hernandez herself isn’t immune to scrutiny. Engaging with social media, she values authenticity, often responding to critics with humor and grace.

Random TikTok or cultural references sometimes slip into her comments, reflecting her candidness.

Is it unprofessional? Hernandez thinks not. She views it as staying true to herself, imagining she’s casually discussing gymnastics at a party.

“Everyone’s got a glass of whatever you want, and we all just happen to be like besties hanging out,” she said. “And I just happen to know a lot about the thing that’s on TV.”