Laurie Hernandez, alongside Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman, was popular during the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio as part of the “Final Five.”
This talented group secured the gold medal in the team event, making them the most decorated American Olympic team ever, clinching a total of nine medals.
Laurie was the first Latina gymnast to join the U.S. Olympic team since 1984.
She secured the silver medal on the balance beam in Rio. As for Laurie, after the 2016 Olympic games, did she retire? Here’s all you need to know.
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Where is Laurie Hernandez now?
Laurie is thriving in 2023, balancing a multitude of passions and pursuits.
As a student at New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, she’s perfecting her craft in drama and creative writing.
Meanwhile, she’s making waves in the sports world as a sports analyst for NBC, covering the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
But that’s not all – Laurie is also a dedicated ambassador for UNICEF, a role she’s held since 2018.
Her talents extend beyond sports and philanthropy, too. She’s made her mark in the acting world, lending her voice to hit shows like The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder and Middle School Moguls, as well as appearing on TV series like Stuck in the Middle.
And when she’s not in the spotlight, Laurie is working behind the scenes as an executive producer on impactful projects like Unconditional, a documentary exploring mental health.
Why did Laurie Hernandez retire from gymnastics?
Laurie took a break post-Rio and then resumed training in 2018. She participated in the 2021 Winter Cup and the 2021 U.S. Classic.
Unfortunately, Laurie had to pull out of the 2021 U.S. Championships after injuring her knee, leading to a torn meniscus, a cyst, and other complications.
She didn’t make it onto the national team, missed out on the Olympics, and eventually retired from competition in 2021.
Laurie decided to prioritize her mental well-being, seeking therapy for her depression.
She bravely spoke out in 2020 about the emotional mistreatment she endured under her former coach, Maggie Haney.
By 2024, Laurie reflected on her journey with her partner Charlotte Drury, a trampoline gymnast, as they ventured into new career avenues.
“Both of us transitioned away from sports. We relocated to New York and ventured into the arts,” Laurie reminisced. She expressed the joy of exploring diverse interests beyond sports and embracing new opportunities.
Despite teasing a potential return to the sport in July 2024 with a video showcasing her skills, she wrote in the caption, “Should I come out of retirement?”
Laurie humorously answered her own query in the comments, stating, “Nah, I enjoy not having early morning workouts anymore. I’m content where I am.”
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
When she’s not writing, Olekanma enjoys immersing herself in a good book, exploring new cuisines, and discovering new cultures.