You’ve seen her dazzle on the Olympic stage. You’ve heard her voice lighting up gymnastics broadcasts with heart and humor. But Laurie Hernandez’s story doesn’t end with a gold medal or a mic in her hand—it keeps evolving. From winning Dancing with the Stars Season 23, to breaking down beam routines on live TV, she’s become one of the most relatable and resilient figures in sports media. But who is Laurie beyond the flips and fame? What fuels her fire, who’s standing beside her, and how did she find her way from elite gymnastics to Emmy-winning commentary?

Let’s step behind the sparkle and meet the real Laurie Hernandez—the athlete, the storyteller, and the voice a new generation is listening to.

What Is Laurie Hernandez’s Career After Gymnastics?

Laurie Hernandez officially retired from competitive gymnastics in 2021. Injuries had cut her comeback short, but she didn’t disappear from the sport. Instead, she simply changed lanes. That same year, she joined Simone Biles’ Gold Over America Tour, already stepping into a different kind of spotlight. No routines, just performance and connection. But commentary is where she really found her voice.

In Paris, during the 2024 Olympics, Hernandez became a breakout star all over again, behind a mic. Alongside Rich Lerner, she brought a mix of sharp analysis, deep empathy, and genuine joy to gymnastics coverage. She wasn’t just reading notes; she was living it.

Her commentary didn’t sugarcoat mistakes, but she never lingered on them. She explained the “ghost deductions” and invisible technical flaws, helping casual fans understand the judges’ decisions. She made gymnastics more accessible. And more fun.

When a celebrity popped up in the stands? She reacted like any of us would. “Wait… Seth Rogen’s here?” she laughed. That’s Laurie quick, real, and totally herself. Viewers called her funny, warm, and super easy to listen to. Some even said she was better than longtime pros.

At just 24, Hernandez was nervous stepping into this new role. She admitted to feeling impostor syndrome. But feedback flooded in positive, personal, and powerful. She said it helped quiet the doubt. She’s not trying to sound perfect. She’s trying to sound like herself. Whether she’s explaining a fall, praising a stuck landing, or referencing TikTok mid-broadcast, Laurie keeps it human. And it works.

She’s no longer competing, but she’s still shaping the narrative. Still educating and still inspiring. She’s even redefining what life after gymnastics can look like.

Laurie doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out. But she knows one thing: gymnastics is still hers, just from a different angle. And from that angle, she’s helping others fall in love with the sport all over again. Anyhow, for now, let’s keep all this aside and look into how she got into it.

How Did Laurie Hernandez Become a Gymnastics Commentator?

Laurie Hernandez didn’t plan on trading leotards for a mic, at least not this soon. But after retiring in 2021 due to injuries, the former Olympic champ stepped into a new arena: the broadcast booth. NBC brought her on for the Tokyo Olympics and again for Paris 2024. That’s where things really clicked.

Her style is lively, technical, and totally human. She doesn’t just break down beam wobbles; she brings fans inside the athlete’s mind. In Paris, she calmly explained Simone Biles’ uneven bars struggle mid-routine. “Too much power,” she noted, as the replay rolled. Then she laughed—nervous but real. Her charm is that she reacts the way fans would, except she knows exactly what’s going on.

When did Biles nail her beam dismount? Hernandez lit up. “That’s exactly what she needed!” she shouted, joyfully. Reddit threads blew up with praise. Viewers called her voice “a hug,” “relatable,” and “weirdly comforting.” She’s been a breakout star in the booth, just like she was in Rio. And for her Paris coverage, she won a Sports Emmy.

Hernandez brings expert insight with a touch of Gen Z sparkle. Think TikTok references, giggles, and genuine wonder when Seth Rogen shows up courtside. She doesn’t pretend to be perfect—she just invites you in. And it works. But, other than this, does she have any other works?

What Are Laurie Hernandez’s Other Media Roles and Public Appearances?

Laurie Hernandez’s life after Rio wasn’t just about medals; it was about screens, stages, and stories. At just 16, she danced straight into America’s heart on Dancing with the Stars, becoming the youngest winner in the show’s history. She had never worn heels before that season. Didn’t matter, she nailed it.

Then came American Ninja Warrior Junior. As host and reporter, she cheered on the next generation with her signature energy. She wasn’t just reading lines; she was right there, celebrating every buzzer hit and every fall with real joy.

Voice acting followed. She brought Yuna to life in Nickelodeon’s Middle School Moguls, a sharp, tech-savvy character chasing big dreams. She also popped up in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, a fun, full-circle moment for a kid who grew up watching the original series.

She’s not just showing up—she’s showing range. Whether it’s hosting, acting, or writing, Hernandez is building something that feels real. A gymnastics star who didn’t fade when the lights changed, but she just kept glowing. But, behind all this courage, it wasn’t just her; she had her whole family with her.

Who Are Laurie Hernandez’s Parents and What Is Her Background?

Laurie Hernandez didn’t rise alone. Her story starts in New Jersey, with her parents, Wanda and Anthony Hernandez, who are first-generation Puerto Rican Americans, and they raised three kids in Old Bridge Township. Laurie is the youngest, with an older sister, Jelysa, and a brother, Marcus.

Her mom, Wanda, spent six years in the Army Reserve. Laurie says that the military mindset, like discipline, teamwork, and positivity, is what shaped everything for her. Wanda also worked as a social worker. Her dad, Anthony, a court clerk, brought quiet strength. Together, they made the kind of sacrifices only gymnast parents understand: long drives, early mornings, and the emotional whiplash of watching your child flip through the air.

Laurie first tried dance. Her energy and rhythm earned her the nickname “Baby Shakira” before she ever touched a beam. But when she started gymnastics at age six, something clicked. She wasn’t just good, she was dazzling.

The family leaned in. Wanda packed suitcases with military precision. Anthony stayed steady during every meet. When Laurie made the Olympics, Wanda said it felt unreal: “This is a dream she had… and then boom.” Just like that, her little girl became a household name.

For Laurie, being Puerto Rican isn’t just a fact, it’s pride. She once said carrying Puerto Rico on her back was an honor. You can see it in how she performs fiercely, joyfully, and unapologetic. That early love, that deep family bond, helped her become more than an athlete. It helped her become Laurie. So now you know that she had very few people, but it was more than enough. But, we are forgetting about one person, her girlfriend Charlotte Drury, who’s been with her for half a decade.

Who Is Laurie Hernandez’s Girlfriend?

Laurie Hernandez met Charlotte Drury through gymnastics. Sparks flew in 2020. Drury, a trampoline gymnast and Tokyo Olympic alternate, shares Laurie’s Olympic roots and creative spirit. After retiring from competition, they moved to New York together. No more chalk, no more meets, just two artists trying new things. Laurie dove into acting at NYU’s Tisch. Charlotte picked up a camera, studying photography full-time.

Their relationship isn’t just personal, it’s public, open, and proudly visible. In a world where LGBTQ+ athletes still face judgment, Laurie and Charlotte show up without apology. They don’t shout, they don’t hide. They just live. Laurie once said she loves Charlotte’s eye for detail. “She sees things people miss,” she told Us Weekly. That kind of clarity is what works both ways. They support each other’s new paths, stage for one, lens for the other.

They’ve become role models without trying to be. Just two retired gymnasts chasing joy beyond the mat. They show that identity doesn’t end when your sport does. You grow, you change, you love, and if you’re lucky, you do it together.

Laurie’s joy is clear whenever she talks about her. Not in sweeping speeches. Just little moments. Shared routines, new adventures, mutual awe. “It’s just nice,” Laurie said, “to explore what else is out there.”

It’s been nearly five years since they got together. Their story keeps evolving. No medals, no scores. Just two women building a life quietly radical, fiercely open, and totally their own.

What’s Next for Laurie Hernandez?

Laurie Hernandez is back on the mic this weekend. She’ll join NBC’s coverage of the 2025 U.S. Classic on July 19, calling the action live from Hoffman Estates, Illinois. She’ll be in the booth with Samantha Peszek and John Roethlisberger—two vets who know their stuff. Together, they’ll break down every vault, wobble, and stuck landing.

Laurie’s not just there to explain routines. She brings joy, nerves, and realness. You feel like you’re watching with a friend who also happens to be an Olympic champ. This Classic is the last shot for gymnasts to qualify for the U.S. Championships in August. Stakes are high. Athletes are hungry. Laurie’s been there, so she gets it.

Fans on Reddit are already buzzing. They love how she mixes sharp analysis with open awe. She’s got that “you have to see this” energy. Catch her live on Peacock and CNBC Saturday night. Or watch the encore Sunday on NBC. Either way, Laurie will be there cheering, explaining, and reacting.