<p>After bringing home the gold and silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Laurie Hernandez went on to win the coveted mirror ball trophy on <em>Dancing with the Stars</em>, and to publish two books:<em> I Got This: To Gold</em> <em>and Beyond</em>, in 2017, and a picture book for children,<em> She’s Got This</em>, in 2018. Both were <em>New York Times </em>bestsellers. In recognition of Hernandez’s work as a Literacy Champion promoting readership as a path to leadership, Mattel created a Laurie Hernandez “Shero” Barbie to honor her.</p><p>A second-generation American whose grandparents are from Puerto Rico, Hernandez is the first U.S.-born Latina to make the U.S. Olympic team since 1984. </p><p>When not in the gym, Laurie enjoys spending time with her family. Acting is one of her biggest passions: she has done cameos, voiceovers, co-hosted <em>American Ninja Warrior Junior</em>, and plans to pursue an acting/screenwriting degree. She travels the country speaking to the next generation about following their dreams. She is also a fierce advocate for the importance of mental health and has partnered with multiple campaigns and initiatives to encourage awareness. </p>
Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist, Advocate for Positive Body Image
<ul><li><strong>I’ve Got This</strong></li></ul><p>2016 gold medal–winning Olympic gymnast and <i>Dancing with the Stars</i> champion Laurie Hernandez shares her story in her own words.</p><p>At sixteen years old, Laurie Hernandez made many of her dreams come true—and yet was only the beginning for this accomplished athlete. A Latina Jersey girl, Laurie saw her life take a dramatic turn when she qualified and was chosen to be a part of the US Olympic gymnastics team. After winning gold in Rio as part of the Final Five, Laurie also earned an individual silver medal for her performance on the balance beam. Nicknamed “the Human Emoji” for her wide-eyed and animated expressions, Laurie continued entertaining while competing and winning on the hit reality TV show <i>Dancing with the Stars</i>.</p><p>By turns poignant and funny, Laurie’s story is about growing up with the dream of becoming an Olympian and what it took to win gold. She talks about her loving family, her rigorous training, her intense sacrifices, and her amazing triumphs. A fierce advocate for mental health awareness and access to resources for all, Laurie speaks about her own personal experiences and how she took charge to challenge the myths and stereotypes surrounding mental issues.</p>