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We prepped for this, so all is going as planned!
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My parents have been my support system from the very beginning, she says.
Hernandez’s memories of her dad cheering her on go equally far back.
He’s always been there, she says.
His support has been consistent, and Im the luckiest person.
SELF: Looking back on this year, how have you been taking care of yourself?
What were some of your coping mechanisms during the pandemic?
Laurie Hernandez:Well, do you want the good ones or the bad ones?
[Laughs]
We want all of them!
Everyone needs a mix.
Oh, for sure.
Well, take these as you wish.
I think watching movies andTV showsthroughout the pandemic has definitely been a lot of fun.
Just completely diving into fiction onscreen or through books.
I’ve had a great time leaving, like, mentally.
It’s also been super inspiring.
After watching some of my favorite fictional shows, there’s a feeling of wanting to write one.
So that became like a little outlet.
So that definitely inspired creative writing and has been a big coping mechanism.
Outside of your new creative outlets, how else do you take care of your mental health?
Having thatfreedom of movementand being able to go and exercise, it makes my body feel good.
It makes me feel good.
Then there are times where moving and gymnastics are the reason why I need an outlet.
So I like to come home and learn tocookor give a shot to make a new dish.
Or call my friends and connect with somebody.
What has the journey of training for the Olympics and getting into that peak physical shape been like?
It’s been very important to have friends who are also professional athletes and Olympic hopefuls.
That’s how I know it’s mid-seasonmy brain is doing extra numbers in mysleep, essentially.
But it’s what I did at 16, I would think about it consistently.
So, lots of that!
I’m real fun to be around.
[Laughs]
Are you feeling a big sense of pressure leading up to your Olympics return?
Yeah, there’s always pressure, unfortunately.
Most of it probably comes from myself.
But there’s also a lot of outward pressure in having already done it.
So a lot of people are looking to that.
So that’s the biggest thing, and that can feel like pressure sometimes.
If I want out, I can be done.
But every time I give myself the option, I want it.
I do want it, and I do want to do well.
How do you feel like youve changed as a gymnast since age 16?
Has your personal growth and path shaped who you are on the floor?
I like to think so.
I do think that the way that I do gymnastics now, at least to me, feels different.
And I notice it when I’m getting ready to compete.
I remember being 16 and, like,I’m not nervous.
I’m so confident, so great.
I don’t have a stomach ache from being so anxious, my hands aren’t sweaty.
Everything is dandy!And just completely spiraling and having my fingers crossed.
Whereas now, I’ll walk up there and be like,You know what?
I am reallynervous, yes.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or things that you do to help manage those nerves and anxiety?
I always say I’m not superstitious, but looking back now, I totally am.
I lit it up for the first practice, at the hotel, and then I had areallygood workout.
So I got really neurotic that Ihadto light this candle before every practice, every meet.
It turned into a whole thing.
And I had a great competition.
So I don’t know, it must have been the candle!
Or the three years of training.
I’m not sure which one did it.
[Laughs]
The main or most consistent one, Ive done since I was little.
I catch myself doing that at every competition, and it feels really good.
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This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
