By Warren Rappleyea
Old Bridge Township honored its favorite Olympian, Laurie Hernandez, Aug. 27 with a parade and a huge celebration at Lombardi Field, which was attended by hundreds of residents.
Hernandez wore a USA t-shirt and flashed her now-famous smile throughout the event. The parade, complete with police escort, kicked off from the Jonas Salk Middle School and wound its way to Lombardi Field with the guest of honor perched in a convertible.
Although Hernandez is home schooled, Old Bridge High School has embraced her as its own. The Marching Band and cheerleaders performed at the event, and several athletic teams were well-represented, especially the school’s gymnastics team. The carnival-like atmosphere also included an array of tents selling merchandise and food.
Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry proudly pointed out that Hernandez is the first Olympic athlete to hail from the township. He also noted the work ethic and how hard Hernandez had to work to achieve gold.
Hernandez has clearly made her mark on the sport. At the Olympics in Rio, as the youngest member of the team, she combined with teammates Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman and Madison Kocian to bring home the gold medal. In addition, she became the first athlete born in the 21st century to win gold. Hernandez also qualified for the finals in the balance beam and went on to win a silver medal. In the process, the U.S. gymnastics team captivated the nation.
Hernandez, 16, earned her spot on the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team by finishing second in the all-around competition at the Olympic Trials in San Jose, California, July 10. The township quickly put together a sendoff celebration for Hernandez to wish her luck at the games.
During the games, the Township Council’s chamber was turned into a sporting club of sorts, hosting a watch party for residents while Hernandez won her silver medal.
It’s been quite a year for Hernandez, who trains in Marlboro at the Monmouth Gymnastics Academy under the tutelage of coach Maggie Haney. After a stellar career at the junior level, which included a national championship in 2015, she began entering senior competitions early in 2016. Hernandez began the year with a bronze medal for all-around in the 2016 City of Jesolo Trophy competition in Italy. In April, she helped the U.S. team to a first-place finish in the Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships.
In June, she finished third all-around in the P&G National Championships and carried the momentum into the Olympic Trials — and the rest is history.