Laurie Hernandez may have retired from gymnastics competition in 2021, but the Olympic gold medalist and her partner, Charlotte Drury, are just getting started.
“Both of us kind of eased out of sports [after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics]. We moved to New York and then got into the arts,” Hernandez, 24, explained. “It’s just nice for us to have the chance to explore what else outside of sports we might be into and test out all these different waters.”
Hernandez, known for her time as part of the celebrated “Final Five” U.S. women’s gymnastics team in 2016 alongside Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman, and Drury, 28, a trampoline gymnast who served as an alternate at the 2020 Summer Olympics, have crafted new paths for themselves.
After their gymnastics careers drew to a close, Hernandez and Drury began dating and ventured away from athletic life into new artistic territories.
Laurie and Charlotte’s New Artistic Endeavors
In 2022, Hernandez enrolled at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts to study drama, while Drury completed her studies at the International Center of Photography in May 2023.
“Photography allows me to make my subjects feel just as special as I did when my picture was taken,” Drury shared in her senior project at ICP. “Even though I’m retired, the skills I developed as an athlete continue to benefit me.”
Laurie’s Aspiring Acting Career
Hernandez expressed her dreams of acting on screen soon, whether in an indie film or a blockbuster.
“I love acting and working with scene partners,” Hernandez shared. “It’s a different type of art compared to live theater or gymnastics, but it’s still something where the pressure’s on, it’s live, and you get to showcase your hard work eventually.”
The shift from the Olympic spotlight to NYU’s classroom wasn’t without its challenges, but Hernandez had Drury’s support throughout, as she faced her own transition.
“I adore her drive and unique perspectives,” Hernandez said of Drury. “She always finds different angles that might be overlooked.”
Exciting Future Projects
Despite stepping away from competitive gymnastics, Hernandez continues to stay connected to the sport. She will join NBC as a correspondent for women’s gymnastics during the Paris Olympics in July.
“It’s a completely different experience being on this side of the screen,” Hernandez commented. “I’m thrilled to share my passion and joy for gymnastics.”
On Location Olympic Hospitality
This year, fans have the opportunity to join Hernandez and the Olympic athletes in Paris with On Location’s hospitality packages. These special offerings include premium seats for events, exclusive access to world-class service at competition venues and iconic Parisian locations, and entry to the Team USA House.
“More fans can now create their own memories,” Hernandez mentioned about the On Location packages. “As an athlete, I remember wanting to visit Team USA House. It was a place filled with treats and meeting other athletes. Now that the public can experience it too, it’s quite special.”
On Location Hospitality Packages for the 2024 Paris Olympics are available for purchase now.
