Episode 8: Laurie Hernandez

Olympic Gymnast Laurie Hernandez joins Sasha as the first guest of 2021 to talk all things mental health and Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in 2021 preparation. Laurie shares how she navigated the challenges of 2020 and maintained a positive outlook. Laurie explains that maintaining her mental health is just as important as her physical health. Sasha and Laurie explore the mental side of their rise through their respective sports at such a young age and how Laurie hopes to change the gymnastics culture for the better.

Show Notes

Show Notes:

:26 – Growing up and her parents’ influence on her life

2:15 – Preparing a potential second Olympic Games

3:57 – Adapting to training at home amid the COVID pandemic 

5:20 – Making the most of the extra year to prepare for the Games

6:50 – Taking time off and what it looks like to come back to gymnastics 

8:18 – Finding support in2016 teammate Aly Raisman 

10:00 – ‘I’ve Got This’ mantra and Laurie’s children’s book 

12:36 – Her first Olympic Games in Rio at 16 years-old 

15:24 – What does Laurie remember from the Opening Ceremony in Rio

17:08 – Mentally preparing for Trials and a possible second Olympic Games 

19:30 – Advice for elite gymnasts growing up in the sport

22:06 – The process of Laurie learning to block out negativity  

24:10 – Launching the ‘Stronger Than You Think’ campaign 

25:30 – Changes at USA Gymnastics and the sport culture 

27:05 – Learning when to push and when to take care of yourself in a sport that focuses on perfection 

30:06 – Advice on building a routine focused on mental health to combat burnout 

32:50 – Who Laurie is an athlete and learning to use that to her advantage 

35:05 – Taking two years off after Rio 

36:58 – Being on Dancing With The Stars and finding new creative outlets 

39:40 – What Laurie sees herself doing after gymnastics

40:40 – Laurie’s Olympic or Paralympic moment

What is Sasha Sessions: A Team USA Podcast?

Exceptional individuals share the stories that shaped them, how they define identity, and the motivations, habits, and opportunities that led to personal reinvention. Guests feature athletes from all sports and backgrounds, whose accomplishments inspire millions on the Olympic & Paralympic stage, and people outside of sports, whose work has challenged how we think about the world today.