Laurie Hernandez

My earliest memory was watching gymnastics on live TV and wanting to do what the 'big girls' did.

— Laurie Hernandez

The first meal that I learned to make was scrambled eggs.

— Laurie Hernandez

My mother was in the Army Reserve for six years. She taught me the importance of following rules, finishing what I start,…

— Laurie Hernandez

I knew when I started gymnastics, I wanted to have a lot of fun and eventually go to the Olympics. On the…

— Laurie Hernandez

Since kindergarten, I was the shortest kid in class. They always put me toward the front in school pictures, because you couldn't…

— Laurie Hernandez

I never look at scores or anything.

— Laurie Hernandez

Don't let people tell you that you can't do something.

— Laurie Hernandez

Growing up, there wasn't an exact Hispanic role model that I had. I didn't realize how big a difference I was making,…

— Laurie Hernandez

When I was a little kid, I don't remember looking up and seeing so many Hispanic athletes out there.

— Laurie Hernandez

I think people are people. If you want something, go get it. I don't think it matters what race you are.

— Laurie Hernandez

When I'm not training, I'm typically doing anything self-care, so, like, bath bombs and face masks, or, like, having a movie night…

— Laurie Hernandez

Every year, my mom makes sure I have my checkups and everything, which is probably a really good idea. She's great with…

— Laurie Hernandez

When you have family with you, it gives you extra energy.

— Laurie Hernandez

I love listening to music in general before I compete. It's something that calms me down, and meditating and breathing before I…

— Laurie Hernandez

My family has always been very close. Ever since I was a kid, everybody was always together, including my grandma. In the…

— Laurie Hernandez

Meeting kids who feel inspired by my story, it means so much to me.

— Laurie Hernandez

Of course I'm very sassy.

— Laurie Hernandez

When I perform and the crowd is cheering, there's a ringing noise in my head. I'm just zoned in, and even though…

— Laurie Hernandez

I started a gymnastics class at five years old, but it became serious at seven.

— Laurie Hernandez

Everyone keeps asking me when I have time to rest. I'll tell you when: I get all my sleep on planes. If…

— Laurie Hernandez

Through my life, I do want to inspire others.

— Laurie Hernandez

No matter what race or color you are, you can aspire to do something great.

— Laurie Hernandez

The thing that makes me feel the most confident is definitely my smile. I like that my smile and my facial expressions…

— Laurie Hernandez

People have always asked me why my favorite event was floor, and my answer was always, 'Because I love to dance!'

— Laurie Hernandez

I think I still like science and art better, but geometry is a big improvement over algebra.

— Laurie Hernandez