A True Story: Laurie Hernández

The following is a true story adapted from the book Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States, written by Sabrina Vourvoulias, lllustrated by Gloria Félix, by MNW Staff Member, Emma Cherry (3-6 & 6-12 AMI Diploma) that you can share with your class.

---

The Story of Laurie Hernández

Today I am going to tell you a story about a woman named Laurie Hernández and how she became an Olympic Gymnast. This is a true story! Laurie is the daughter of Wanda and Anthony Hernández. The Hernández family is Puerto Rican- both of Laurie's parents are from Puerto Rico. [Show on map or globe.] They moved to the United States to a place called New Jersey. [Show on map or globe.] Laurie was born on June 9, 2000, so this year, she is 22 years old! Laurie was the same age as some of you when she began her gymnastics journey - she was 5 years old.

Laurie spent many years practicing her skills and perfecting her talents. Laurie became an “artistic gymnast”, which is a type of gymnastics that often uses the balance beam. Have any of you seen a balance beam before? A balance beam is a long, rectangular prism that is only 4 inches wide! It stands 4 feet and 1 inch off of the ground. Artistic Gymnasts, like Laurie Hernández, dance and jump and perform beautiful tricks in the air all while balancing on top of the balance beam! Well, Laurie Hernández is just 5 feet and 1 inch tall…Laurie is just a little bit taller than the balance beam, but she was fearless!

When Laurie was 12 years old she qualified for the National Championships in St. Louis and one year later she joined the U.S Junior Nationals Team. After many months of practicing, and driving to and from classes and meets, Laurie joined the U.S. Senior Nationals Tea; she was the youngest member of the team at 16 years old! In that same year, Laurie traveled to Brazil [show on map or globe] for the Rio Summer Olympics and she performed so beautifully that she earned a silver medal! Laurie’s team called themselves The Final Five. They were a powerful group of 5 people who worked very hard towards their dreams, and all of that hard work paid off when Laurie and The Final Five won the team gold medal, the highest honor in the world of gymnastics!

---

Look for more stories in this great resource to learn about and celebrate Hispanic Heritage. Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States, Written by Sabrina Vourvoulias, Illustrated by Gloria Félix.