Retired Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez called out the “unkind” backlash she received after commentating on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team final at the 2024 Paris Summer Games.
Laurie Hernandez is about mat talk, not back talk.
The retired Olympic gymnast—who provided commentary for NBC and Peacock’s Paris Olympics coverage on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team final—addressed online criticism over her on-air comments during the event.
“Had such a blast commentating the competition tonight,” Laurie wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, July 30 after Team USA’s Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee and Hezly Rivera won the gold medal. “What a night!!”
The 24-year-old added, “Also- everyone is entitled to their own opinion (obviously), but if the opinion related to me and is unkind, please don’t tag me in it (contrary to popular belief, I do see it).”
Having competed at the 2016 Olympics alongside Simone, Laurie gave valuable knowledge into an athlete’s mindset. However, several online users did not appreciate her insight on what’s known in the gymnastics world as the “domino effect.”
“When one gymnast falls, falls tend to follow with gymnasts that come after,” Laurie noted during the broadcast, after Jordan fell off the balance beam during her routine. “So, it’s really important for Suni to hit her routine and set up that good energy coming in for the next gymnast.”
The comment led to critics calling Laurie “such a hater” and “so negative” online.
“For every nice thing Laurie Hernandez has to say about Suni Lee, she has about ten critiques or pure silence to follow,” one X user wrote. “She needs to watch herself.”
But many others thought Laurie was helpful in providing context for viewers who may not be familiar with gymnastics.
Aytac Unal/Anadolu via Getty Images; Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images
“She does a great job of explaining really specific technicalities of the sport while also weaving in important narratives,” one fan noted on X. “This is how you get people interested in the sport beyond a surface level.”
In fact, some supporters even called for more commentary from Laurie, with one quipping, “Does she know enough to do other sports?”
“It’s like watching at home with your really enthusiastic, really knowledgeable best friend,” the fan added of the two-time Olympic medalist. “She educates you, and you share in her excitement.”
To see all the jaw-dropping moments from the women’s gymnastics all-around team final, keep reading…
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Golden Performance
Jordan Chiles, Hezly Rivera, Simone Biles, Jade Carey and Suni Lee celebrated after winning gold.
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Gold Zone
The Team USA gymnasts had some fun with their medals on the podium after winning the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Team Final.
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Victory Lap
Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles waved the national flag around the arena to celebrate their win.
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They Did It!
The team was all smiles after hearing they had won the gold.
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Strut Your Stuff
Biles looked confident as she performed her floor routine.
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Reaching New Heights
Lee shined during her uneven bars routine.
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Winning Smile
Biles reacts after finishing her routine on the uneven bars.
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Milestone Celebration
Chiles and Biles enjoyed a sweet moment together during the competition.
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Medal-Worthy
Biles soared during the vault competition.
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Let’s Go!
Chiles had the best reaction after finishing her routine on the uneven bars.
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Jade’s Return
After falling during her floor routine at qualifiers, Carey returned to the arena for the team finals, where she dominated the vault competition.
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Olympic Routine
Lee delivered a jaw-dropping floor routine for Team USA.
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Mid-Air Moment
It was another strong performance from Biles on the uneven bars.
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Moving Moment
After completing her incredible floor routine, Chiles broke down in tears.
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Balancing Act
Biles hit the balance beam in style.
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Quick Recovery
Jordan Chiles fell while competing on the balance beam, but battled back to finish her routine.
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No. 1 Fans
The Olympian’s husband Jonathan Owens, who took a break from NFL training camp to fly to Paris, and mom Nellie Biles cheered her on in the crowd.
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