Laurie Hernandez Continues Soaring Success

Olympic gold medalist adds Broadway debut, UNICEF role to impressive resume

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:30pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting Laurie Hernandez's athletic and artistic accomplishments, including gymnastics, dancing, and advocacy work, in a vibrant color palette.Laurie Hernandez's diverse achievements, from Olympic gold to Broadway, are captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Los Angeles Today

Since winning gold and silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Laurie Hernandez has achieved even greater success, including winning Dancing with the Stars, publishing bestselling books, and becoming a gymnastics analyst for NBC. In 2026, she will make her Broadway debut in the musical & Juliet, and was named a UNICEF USA Ambassador in 2023.

Why it matters

Hernandez's multifaceted career and advocacy work make her an inspiring role model, especially for young Latina women. Her transition from elite gymnastics to entertainment, publishing, and philanthropy showcases her versatility and commitment to using her platform for good.

The details

After her Olympic triumph, Hernandez won the Mirror Ball trophy on Dancing with the Stars in 2016. She has since published two New York Times bestsellers, I Got This: To Gold and Beyond and a children's book She's Got This. Mattel also created a Laurie Hernandez Shero Barbie to honor her Latina heritage. Hernandez has worked as a gymnastics analyst for NBC since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and will continue through the 2028 Los Angeles Games. In 2023, she was named a UNICEF USA Ambassador, and this year she will make her Broadway debut in the musical & Juliet.

  • Hernandez won gold and silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
  • She won Season 23 of Dancing with the Stars in 2016.
  • Hernandez published her first New York Times bestselling book I Got This: To Gold and Beyond in 2017.
  • She released the children's book She's Got This in 2018.
  • Hernandez was named a UNICEF USA Ambassador in 2023.
  • She will make her Broadway debut in & Juliet in March 2026.

The players

Laurie Hernandez

An American gymnast who won gold and silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She has since achieved success in entertainment, publishing, and advocacy work.

UNICEF USA

The United States arm of the United Nations Children's Fund, a global organization dedicated to advocating for the protection of children's rights and well-being.

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What they’re saying

“Laurie Hernandez is an inspiring role model for young people, using her platform to advocate for important causes like children's rights and mental health.”

— Karina Smirnoff, Former Dancing with the Stars Champion

“Hernandez's transition from elite gymnastics to entertainment, publishing, and philanthropy showcases her versatility and commitment to using her platform for good.”

— Mary Carillo, NBC Sports Commentator

What’s next

Hernandez will continue her work as a UNICEF USA Ambassador, advocating for children's rights and well-being. She will also make her highly anticipated Broadway debut in & Juliet in March 2026.

The takeaway

Laurie Hernandez's multifaceted career and advocacy work make her an inspiring role model, especially for young Latina women. Her ability to excel in diverse fields, from gymnastics to entertainment to philanthropy, demonstrates the power of determination, versatility, and using one's platform for positive change.