Laurie Hernandez

Laurie Hernandez is an American artistic gymnast, author, and television personality who captured the hearts of millions as a member of the gold medal-winning United States women’s gymnastics team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Born on June 9, 2000, in Old Bridge, New Jersey, to Puerto Rican parents, Hernandez began gymnastics at the age of six and was training at the elite level by her early teens. Her infectious smile and expressive performances earned her the nickname “The Human Emoji” from fans and media.

At just 16 years old, Hernandez was selected for the 2016 U.S. Olympic gymnastics team, nicknamed the “Final Five.” In Rio de Janeiro, she won a gold medal in the team competition and a silver medal on the balance beam, where her artistic, dance-like routine captivated audiences worldwide. Following the Olympics, she parlayed her fame into a successful appearance on Dancing with the Stars Season 23, where she and partner Val Chmerkovskiy won the Mirrorball Trophy, making her the youngest champion in the show’s history at that time.

Hernandez authored a memoir titled “I Got This: To Gold and Beyond” in 2017, which became a New York Times bestseller. She also wrote a children’s picture book, “She’s Got This,” inspiring young readers to pursue their dreams. After the Rio Olympics, she took a break from competitive gymnastics but announced her return to the sport in 2020 with hopes of competing in the Tokyo Olympics. Although she did not make the 2021 Olympic team, she served as a commentator and continued her involvement in the gymnastics community.

As of 2026, Hernandez has an estimated net worth of $2 million, built through her Olympic medals, endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Secret deodorant, her bestselling books, television appearances, and public speaking engagements. She remains an influential figure in the sport and a role model for young Latina athletes.