Laurie Hernandez, the 24-year-old gymnast who won a silver and a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, recently discussed the challenges of dealing with online criticism of her commentary during the 2024 Paris Games.
In an exclusive interview with E! News, she opened up about the difficulty of handling negative feedback on social media. Laurie emphasized that while everyone is entitled to their opinions, she prefers that unkind comments not be directed at her, especially when she’s tagged in them.
Despite the criticism, Laurie clarified that she is not against people expressing their opinions, even if they are critical. However, she strongly advocates for kindness and respect in online interactions. She wishes to enjoy her time on social media without being exposed to negativity directed at her personally, underscoring that social media should not be a platform for unkindness.
During the Paris Olympics, Laurie faced backlash from fans for her comments on Team USA’s women’s gymnastics. One particular comment about Suni Lee needing to “set up that good energy” to avoid a “domino effect” in routines led to some fans labeling her as “negative” and a “hater.” In response, Laurie posted on X (formerly Twitter), asking people not to tag her in unkind comments, as she does see them.
Laurie explained that her approach to Olympic commentary was to create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, much like watching the event with friends. She aimed to highlight important details that viewers might miss while still uplifting the athletes and making the audience feel engaged rather than talked down to. This approach was central to her commentary style during the Games.
Laurie was pleased that many people appreciated her presence and expertise during the Olympics. She expressed happiness that viewers felt they learned a lot from her commentary, and she took satisfaction in being able to positively contribute to the Olympic experience for fans.
