Leaping into a New Arena

Once a force to be reckoned with in the world of competitive gymnastics, Laurie Hernandez, an Olympic gold medalist, and her partner, Charlotte Drury, have embarked on a new journey. While they may have retired from the sport in 2021, their story is far from over.

Following the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Hernandez and Drury traded their gymnastics leotards for the vibrant world of arts. “New York has become our new home, a melting pot of creativity and inspiration,” Hernandez revealed in an interview with Us Weekly. “It’s a fresh start, a chance to delve into passions that extend beyond the gym.”

Hernandez, a key player in the legendary “Final Five” U.S. women’s gymnastics team of 2016, and Drury, a trampoline gymnast who served as an alternate at the 2020 Summer Olympics, have since transitioned from executing flawless routines to exploring their artistic sides.

In 2022, Hernandez enrolled at the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts at New York University to pursue drama. Meanwhile, Drury graduated from the International Center of Photography in May 2023. “Photography is a medium that allows me to celebrate my subjects, much like how I felt celebrated when my picture was taken,” Drury reflected in her senior project at ICP.

While Drury captures moments through her lens, Hernandez is honing her acting skills. Already a familiar face on television, thanks to her victory on Dancing With the Stars in 2016 and voice roles in shows like Blue’s Clues You! and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Hernandez is eager to explore acting further.

The shift from the Olympic podium to the NYU classroom wasn’t easy, but having Drury, who was navigating a similar transition, made the journey smoother. “Charlotte’s unique perspective and ability to see things differently is truly inspiring,” Hernandez said.

Even in retirement, Hernandez’s love for gymnastics remains strong. She will join NBC as a gymnastics correspondent at the Paris Olympics, ready to share her enduring passion for the sport with viewers worldwide.

This year, fans have the opportunity to join Hernandez and other Olympic athletes in Paris through On Location’s hospitality packages. These exclusive packages offer premium seats, access to competition venues, iconic locations throughout Paris, and even a visit to the Team USA House.