Laurie Hernandez

I listen to a lot of music. One of my favorite songs is 'Final Song' by M. It's something that I listen to before a lot of competitions.

I was an energetic child, always walking on my hands, flipping off of the back of the couch, or jumping up and down on my bed.

I think it's amazing that I can go out there and be myself, and the fact that I'm carrying Puerto Rico on my back a little bit is such an honor.

When I was a little kid, I don't remember looking up and seeing so many Hispanic athletes out there.

The best part is when parents come up to me with their kids, and they say, 'My daughter started gymnastics because of you.'

When I was a little kid, I looked up to other people, so I hope that I can inspire little kids.

As far as cartoons go, I watched a lot of 'Ed, Edd, n Eddy' when I was a kid.

Meeting kids who feel inspired by my story, it means so much to me.

Dancing is different than gymnastics, but it's a good different, and it's something that I've always wanted to try.

Usually, before I salute the judge, I'm able to just grab the event, and I pray on it, and that really grounds me. For some reason, once I do that, I am able to think clearly, and I'm able to calm down right before I compete.

I feel I could be a role model to other Hispanic gymnasts interested in the sport, but I also want them to understand the importance of being focused, determined, and not giving up, despite all the struggles.

My athlete idol is Usain Bolt. He's inhumanly fast!