Fans Go Wild For This Olympic Commentator At The Women's Gymnastics Finals

Viewers of the Olympic women’s gymnastics finals were gripped by the competitors — and also the commentary.

Former Team USA gymnast Laurie Hernandez, who has gold and silver medals to her name, delivered expert commentary on NBC’s broadcasts of the team final event Tuesday and the individual all-around Thursday in Paris.

Fans loved her insights, but more than anything, they fell for her incredibly relatable reactions.

She would sometimes gasp audibly as she witnessed a fall or a tense moment. When Suni Lee belly flopped off the bars, Hernandez swiftly reassured viewers that it was during the warmups and there was no need to worry.

“She was nervous!” Hernandez exclaimed in surprise after Simone Biles’ beam routine at the all-around final. “Y’all, if Simone Biles was nervous… ”

When the camera showed actor Seth Rogen in the audience, Hernandez started giggling.

And after one competitor’s impressive round on the uneven bars, Hernandez excitedly said she couldn’t wait to break it down.

“I’m having just as much fun listening to Laurie Hernandez nerd out over everything as I am watching the actual gymnastics,” one social media user wrote.

Others praised her as a “GOAT” commentator and called her “absolutely delightful,” praising her knack for “explaining really specific technicalities of the sport while also weaving in important narratives.”

Hernandez won gold in the team event and silver in the balance beam competition at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. An injured Hernandez didn’t qualify to compete at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, and she retired from gymnastics that year.

Check out some reactions from her fans, old and new, below.