Ex-Gymnast Laurie Hernandez Faces Backlash for Comment During Team USA's Final

Gymnasts Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, and Jade Carey represented Team USA during the Team Finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 30.

The women got off to epically strong start on vault and the uneven bars before making their way to the balance beam. Chiles, like Biles, was selected to compete on all four events. She was first American gymnast to do her beam routine, during which she fell off the apparatus.

The crowd at the Bercy Arena in Paris held their breath, hoping Chiles would finish her routine strong, which she did. Chiles earned a 12.733, far from her best.

When Lee mounted onto the beam next, NBC commentator Laurie Hernandez, who won team gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, along with a silver on beam, shared some insight on what typically happens when a teammate falls which didn't sit well viewers.

Hernandez said, "We have what's called a domino effect," while Lee performed her beam routine. "When one gymnast falls, falls tend to follow with gymnasts that come after. So it's really important for Suni to hit her routine and set up that good energy coming in for the next gymnast."

Learning about the "domino effect" was the last thing fans wanted to hear while Lee performed on the beam. While most viewers loved Hernandez's insight and commentary as Team USA performed, this bit of information didn't stick the landing.

One fan posted , "I’m definitely not the most educated on gymnastics commentating but I’m sorry Laurie Hernandez is such a hater." Another person wrote , "For every nice thing Laurie Hernandez has to say about Suni Lee, she has about ten critiques or pure silence to follow. She needs to watch herself."

One viewer commented, "Laurie STOP talking. You are going to jinx these girls. Also, it's very annoying talking during the performance. Wait until the replays."

Luckily, Lee crushed her beam routine, earning a 14.600, as did Biles, who earned a 14.366.

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