2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist Laurie Hernandez won’t be competing in Tokyo Olympics 2020, as she had to withdraw from trials because of injury. However, she still has an important role to play this year.

Hernandez will be seen in her new role as an expert commentator for the mega-quadrennial games. It will be interesting to watch her on the other side while she will also cheer for her team USA including her Rio teammate Simone Biles.

Knee Injury cost Hernandez the US Olympic Trials

21-year-old hyper-extended her right knee during pre-Olympic trial warmups. This was a setback for the young Olympian who wanted to compete in her second consecutive game. However, she will now appear in a new role as the expert commentator for Tokyo Olympics with NBC.

Laurie clinched two medals in the 2016 Rio Olympics at the age of 16. With her fellow Americans, she bagged the gold medal in the team event, while she also grabbed the silver medal at the balance beam event.

After her stellar run in Olympics, Laurie became the youngest competitor to clinch the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ title. At a young age, she has achieved a lot in her career.

The gymnast has written two books, one of them being a New York Times Bestseller. Hernandez also hosted the first season of American Ninja Warrior Junior. While she also appeared as Valeria in the Nickelodeon animated miniseries Middle School Moguls.

In 2021 Laurie was also featured in the Peacock docuseries ‘Golden: The Journey of USA’s Elite Gymnasts’. She has an interest in acting but also has gymnastics close to her heart. It will be a unique experience for her to be a commentator for Tokyo.

Team USA’s gymnastics team for Tokyo Olympics 2020

The gymnastics Team USA is the strongest contender for the podium finish at Tokyo. USA has clinched 114 medals in gymnastics to date at Summer Olympics.

Olympic champion Simone Biles will compete for USA. Biles is one of the most decorated athletes with five Olympic medals. She is also the favorite to win at the mega-event. While she is the only Olympian, other members are also strong contenders.

Biles will pair up Sunsia Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Grace McCallum in the team event. While?Jade Carey and MyKayla will compete in the individual events. Overall, six athletes will represent USA in gymnastics.

Also read: Simone Biles Reveals Injury Scare Ahead of Tokyo Olympics 2020