"If opinion related to me is unkind, please don't tag me"-Laurie Hernandez hits back at critics of her commentary on Paris Olympics 2024

Former Olympic champion and retired American artistic gymnast Laurie Hernandez hit back at her critics of the gymnastics commentary. She is part of the NBC's lineup for the Paris Olympics 2024.

Hernandez was a part of the Simone Biles-led American team that won the team all-around gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She secured a silver medal on the balance beam. After not making it to the US team for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the gymnast announced her retirement from competitive gymnastics the same year. Years after her retirement, the 24-year-old was given the responsibility to take on the role of a commentator for women's gymnastics events at the ongoing Paris Olympics.

She joined NBC and Peacock as a correspondent; however, a group of fans were upset with Hernandez for her comments during the women's team all-around finals, where the US team secured gold. She faced criticism for her "domino effect" remarks after a couple of gymnasts, including Jordan Chiles, stumbled during their balance beam routines in the team finals. It was followed by criticism from some sections of the fans.

Laurie Hernandez later responded to her detractors in a post on X, writing:

"hey y’all, had such a blast commentating the competition tonight. What a night!! also- everyone is entitled to their own opinion (obviously), but if the opinion related to me and is unkind, please don’t tag me in it (contrary to popular belief, I do see it). enjoy the Games!"

"We were roommates and we had a lot of giggles" - Laurie Hernandez on her bond with Simone Biles

Artistic Gymnastics - Rio de Janeiro Olympics 2016 - Source: Getty

Laurie Hernandez was joined by Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Gabby Thomas, and Madison Kocian when they won the team all-around title at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Hernandez recently revealed that Biles and she used to be roommates at the Games, and they often teased Raisman at the time.

Speaking about which, the New Brunswick native stated (via Access Hollywood's YouTube video):

"What I remember the most, we (she and Simone) were roommates together, and we had a lot of giggles. Our favorite thing was to really like annoy Aly Raisman. Our whole team was there, but for some reason, just getting under her skin was the best."

Laurie Hernandez also lauded Simone Biles and Team USA's performances at the Paris Olympics, where Biles secured her record second all-around title.