At sixteen years old, Laurie Hernandez had already made many of her dreams come true — and yet it was only the beginning for this highly accomplished athlete! A Latina Jersey girl, Laurie saw her life take a dramatic turn when she was chosen to be a part of the 2016 US Olympic gymnastics team. After winning gold in Rio as part of the Final Five, Laurie also earned an individual silver medal for her performance on the balance beam. Nicknamed "the Human Emoji" for her wide-eyed and animated expressions, Laurie continued to dance her way into everyone's hearts while competing on the hit reality TV show Dancing with the Stars, where she was the youngest-ever winner of the Mirrorball Trophy, and inspired fellow athletes as the co-host for American Ninja Warrior Junior.
In this updated and expanded edition, which includes details about Laurie's training for the 2020 Olympic Games, you'll get a unique peek at the life of an elite athlete! Poignant and funny, Laurie's story is about growing up with the dream of becoming an Olympian and what it took to win gold. She talks about her loving family, her rigorous training, her intense sacrifices, and her amazing triumphs. Be prepared to fall in love with and be mesmerized by America's newest sweetheart all over again.
Recommended Age | 8 - 12 |
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Author | Laurie Hernandez |
ISBN | 0062677314 |
Publication Date | Jan 24, 2017 |
Publisher | HarperCollins |
Language | English |