Olympic fans love Laurie Hernandez’s fun and insightful gymnastics commentary making the sport more accessible

Laurie Hernandez is SO GOOD at this.

The biggest star of Olympic gymnastics — beyond Simone Biles, of course — is … Laurie Hernandez, who isn’t competing (although she once did).

Hernandez is on the mic with NBC as an analyst, and she’s done just an unbelievable job. Sometimes, it’s the funny commentary that cites a meme. Other times, it’s her very human and fan reaction that we can all relate to. And then there are those times when she breaks down something very complex in the sport and makes it simple.

Whatever it is, Olympics fans can’t get enough of it. Here’s a roundup of all the love for Hernandez:

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=11490]

 

 

 

 

Laurie Hernandez shows off new Hamilton-inspired floor routine in gymnastics return

In her first competition since the Rio Olympics, Laurie Hernandez was in the room where it happens.

Two-time Olympic medalist Laurie Hernandez competed Saturday in her first meet since the 2016 Rio Olympics, and although the 20-year-old gymnast didn’t have a perfect day, she had a great time at the Winter Cup meet.

She finished fifth on balance beam and 11th with her floor routine — which she said, per NBC Sports, were “super watered-down routines so we could dip my toe back in the water” as she looks ahead to try to make the Tokyo Olympics team.

But watered down or not, a clear highlight of her floor routine was the medley soundtrack, which featured The Room Where It Happens from the musical Hamilton. (In For The Win’s complete ranking of Hamilton‘s songs, The Room Where It Happens landed at No. 8.)

It was fabulous, even if Hernandez is still looking to improve on it. Via USA TODAY Sports:

“There was nothing expression-wise to choreograph (because) I know that if I’m having a really good time, it’s going to just fly out of my face,” said Hernandez, who did her own choreography.

A musical theater fan, Hernandez tweeted Saturday about preparing for the day with the help of the Hamilton soundtrack, and last month, the Olympic gold and silver medalist also teased some of her choreography on TikTok.

Here’s her full floor routine from Saturday’s meet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msdoXTBCjtc&feature=emb_title

[vertical-gallery id=1000517]

[lawrence-related id=930674,996130,898290]