Laurie Hernandez, a two-time Olympic gymnastics medalist turned TV analyst, acknowledges the busy chatter in her mind with a laugh as she settles into her new role. Having been part of the “Final Five” team with Simone Biles during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016, where she clinched a gold and silver medal, Hernandez’s transition to commentating has been well received by TV viewers and online followers alike.
In Paris, at this year’s Olympics, Hernandez, now 24 years old, provides a fresh perspective through her commentary. Despite feeling nerves when putting on her headset next to broadcast partner Rich Lerner, her genuine love for gymnastics shines through. Her excitement is evident when spotting famous faces in the audience, like when actor/comedian Seth Rogen appeared on screen during the women’s all-around finals.
Hernandez’s approach to commentating, which she dubs the “Hernandez effect,” combines empathy, education, and humor. Drawing from her decade-long experience in the sport of gymnastics, she aims to explain the intricacies of routines to viewers, highlighting both the imperfections and the moments of brilliance. She demystifies the scoring process and details the “ghost deductions” that may go unnoticed by casual observers.
As a Gen Z individual, Hernandez is not immune to social media commentary and occasionally responds to critics who tag her in their posts. She strives to maintain authenticity in her commentary, infusing it with references from popular culture, be it TikTok or other sources. Her aim is to create a relaxed and relatable atmosphere akin to chatting with friends at a casual gathering, all while sharing her knowledge and insights about the sport on display at the Olympics in Paris.
