Episode 8: Laurie Hernandez

Sasha Sessions: A Team USA Podcast

Show Notes:

:26 – Growing up and her parents’ influence on her life

2:15 – Preparing a potential second Olympic Games

3:57 – Adapting to training at home amid the COVID pandemic

5:20 – Making the most of the extra year to prepare for the Games

6:50 – Taking time off and what it looks like to come back to gymnastics

8:18 – Finding support in2016 teammate Aly Raisman

10:00 – ‘I’ve Got This’ mantra and Laurie’s children’s book

12:36 – Her first Olympic Games in Rio at 16 years-old

15:24 – What does Laurie remember from the Opening Ceremony in Rio

17:08 – Mentally preparing for Trials and a possible second Olympic Games

19:30 – Advice for elite gymnasts growing up in the sport

22:06 – The process of Laurie learning to block out negativity

24:10 – Launching the ‘Stronger Than You Think’ campaign

25:30 – Changes at USA Gymnastics and the sport culture

27:05 – Learning when to push and when to take care of yourself in a sport that focuses on perfection

30:06 – Advice on building a routine focused on mental health to combat burnout

32:50 – Who Laurie is an athlete and learning to use that to her advantage

35:05 – Taking two years off after Rio

36:58 – Being on Dancing With The Stars and finding new creative outlets

39:40 – What Laurie sees herself doing after gymnastics

40:40 – Laurie’s Olympic or Paralympic moment