Tuesday night (Aug. 9) proved to be a major night for American gymnasts in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Not only did America win the team gymnastics title with an 8.209 lead over Russia, New Jersey also managed to come out strong thanks to 16-year-old Laurie Hernandez.
Hernandez, an Old Bridge native, gave New Jersey its first gold medal of the 2016 Olympics. The Puerto Rican gymnast received a 15.100 on the vault, 12.233 on the balance beam, and a 14.833 on the floor exercise. Laurie described her experience at the Olympics by saying, “It was awesome. I mean, when we first walked out there it really hit me: Wow, we’re at the Olympics.
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| Laurie Hernandez Earns New Jersey First Gold Medal Of Rio Olympics |
As I started dancing for my floor routine, I felt calm, I felt normal, and I think that was a really good feeling.”
While congratulations are definitely in order for the young Hernandez, there may be more on the way. During Saturday’s individual apparatus competition, she will compete on the balance beam in hopes of winning yet another medal. If her track record is any consolation, she can definitely do it.
While congratulations are definitely in order for the young Hernandez, there may be more on the way. During Saturday’s individual apparatus competition, she will compete on the balance beam in hopes of winning yet another medal. If her track record is any consolation, she can definitely do it.
