By KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer
OLD BRIDGE — Laurie Hernandez flashed her signature smile as she met with fans who offered their best wishes as she gears up to represent the United States at the Olympic Games next month in Brazil.
Her hometown is rallying behind the 16-year-old phenom, who finished second in the all-around competition at the Olympic Trials in San Jose, California, on July 10 to secure her place on the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team.
She joins renowned gymnasts Aly Raisman, Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas and Madison Kocian, along with alternates Ragan Smith, MyKayla Skinner and Ashton Locklear.
“We’re so proud,” said Mayor Owen Henry with a smile of his own. “She’s an inspiration at such a young age with so much talent, focus and dedication.”
Henry said he watched the Olympic Trials. “It was truly amazing,” he said of Hernandez’s performance; however, he admitted he had to cover his eyes at times when Laurie performed her routine on the balance beam.
Henry said Valerie Castle, of Old Bridge, contacted his office about holding a send-off for Laurie. Castle said working with township officials and the Board of Education, they were able to turn around something in three days.
“I’m involved with gymnastics, and since Laurie is a resident of Old Bridge we are very proud and we wanted to hold something before she leaves on Sunday for training,” she said.
The line of fans meandered around the Ellen McDermott Grade Nine Center and waited patiently to speak with Laurie and get an autograph on July 14.
Laurie, who trains at Monmouth Gymnastics Academy in Marlboro, placed first in the beam, third in the floor exercise and fourth in the vault at the San Jose trials.
Karen Bianchino, who owns Monmouth Gymnastics Academy with her daughter Victoria, said they are proud of Laurie, who has been with them since she was 5 years old.
“Her coach, Maggie Haney, has been with her since day one,” she said.
Bianchino said for the first time Monmouth Gymnastics Academy is proud to send two of their own to the Olympics in Brazil: Laurie and Akash Modi, 21, of Morganville, who qualified as an alternate for the Men’s Gymnastics Team.
Laurie’s biggest supporters are her family: mom, Wanda, father, Anthony, older sister, Jelysa, and older brother, Marcus.
Wanda Hernandez said Laurie started gymnastics after dabbling in karate and dance. Gymnastics is where Laurie shined.
Laurie began making her mark as a competitor at the age of 12 when she qualified for the Visa U.S. National Championships. By July 2013, she had become a member of the U.S. Junior National Team and represented the U.S. at the Junior Japan Invitational, where she earned a bronze medal in the all-around. She helped the U.S. win the Junior Mexican Cup later that year.
“We are thankful for the love and support of the community and we send the love right back,” Wanda Hernandez said.
Anthony Hernandez said they are proud of their youngest child — her poise, mental and physical strength, and her faith.
“Just watching her is overwhelming,” he said. “We just are trying to enjoy the ride with her.”
Anthony Hernandez said making the Olympic Team was Laurie’s dream since she was 8 years old.
“At that time you’re like, ‘Yeah, sure, follow your dreams,’ ” he recalled, thinking about the chances of injury as a person gets older in the sport.
But one thing is for sure: Anthony Hernandez said he never doubted Laurie’s ability to reach her dreams. He said the support from the community is a bonus for the family.
Shortly before her performance on the evening of July 10, Laurie’s brother, Marcus, a former track standout at Old Bridge High School and now a middle distance competitor at Rutgers University, tweeted, “My sister competes in an hour. Would appreciate it if we could get a #teamlaurie trend started since she’s representing Old Bridge.”
That was promptly retweeted by many Old Bridge residents.
Courtney Demaio, who is good friends with Laurie’s older sister, said she was so happy for Laurie and the entire family, who she described as the nicest, most generous and welcoming of people.
“The whole time I’ve known Laurie, she was in the gym,” she said. “Laurie is such a sweetheart. Watching the trials, I was crying. I knew this day would come, and now that it’s here it’s so surreal.”
Fans young and old came to meet Laurie.
Lisa Downs and her daughter Emma, who is a gymnast, of Marlboro, said they were glued to the television screen during the Olympic Trials.
“We were screaming from the living room,” said Downs, who said Laurie is one of her daughter’s idols.
Many came to show their support from various gymnastics academies including a group of girls from All American Gymnastics in Ocean, Monmouth County, who got various items signed by Laurie including T-shirts, phone cases, and photos.
Kali Snook, 18, and Alyssa Leonhardt, 17, both of Old Bridge, came representing Gems Elite of Marlboro, a cheerleading organization.
“We’re from Old Bridge and we came to show our support … this is very exciting,” Snook said.
In 2015, Laurie was the U.S. Junior National Champion. Earlier this year, she began entering senior-level competitions. In June, she finished third all-around in the P&G National Championships. In April, she helped the U.S. team to a first-place finish in the Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships. She began the year with a bronze medal for all-around in the 2016 City of Jesolo Trophy competition in Italy.
Contact Kathy Chang at [email protected].