“My mother was in the Army Reserve for six years. She taught me the importance of following rules, finishing what I start, never giving up, leadership skills, teamwork, staying positive, motivated and how to pack the military way when I'm traveling!”

American actress and former artistic gymnast, born 2000

Laurie Hernandez is an American actress and former artistic gymnast. She was born in 2000 and became known as part of the 2016 U.S. women’s Olympic gymnastics team, the “Final Five.” At the 2016 Summer Olympics, she helped the team win gold and also earned silver on balance beam. Her public profile grew from elite gymnastics, and her later work as an actress reflects that wider recognition.