Laurie Hernandez is an American Olympic gold medal winning artistic gymnast with a Puerto Rican heritage. Her charming expressions earned her the nickname “The Human Emoji.”
Hernandez is a young woman with a lot of poise. She is a best selling author, Dancing with the Stars winner, and is starting an acting career.
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Laurie Hernandez at the National Puerto Rican Day Parade 2017
Laurie was honored as Athlete of the Year. We spoke with her at the parade gala.
Why is it an honor to be part of the Puerto Rican Day Parade this year?
It’s a complete honor to be marching in the parade because when I was growing up, the Puerto Rican Day Parade was something that me and my whole family watched. We made sure to all sit together around the screen and watch the parade. It’s kind of a dream come true. It means a lot to me.
What is the best thing about being Puerto Rican?
The best thing about being Puerto Rican is the camaraderie between everybody. You can walk into a room filled with Puerto Ricans and not know any of them. Within two minutes, you are all family. We are very welcoming. I’m a proud Puerto Rican.
Hernandez brought her entire family to the gala, just like back in the day when they would watch the parade together.
Laurie Hernandez I Got This: To Gold and Beyond
Laurie’s first book became a New York Times best seller as soon as it launched in 2017. It’s about family, hard training, overcoming obstacles, and making sacrifices to achieve your dreams.
Laurie Hernandez Dancing with the Stars
Hernandez won season 23 of Dancing with the Stars (2016) with professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy. They won dancing Paso Doble, Freestyle, Argentine Tango, and Foxtrot.
Laurie Hernandez 2016 Summer Olympics
Hernandez won a team gold medal as a member of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. Just before her floor routine, she famously winked at the judges.
Hernandez also won silver on the balance beam. She was just 16 years old.