Hernandez, 16, could make quite a first impression with U.S. women’s gymnastics team

Laurie Hernandez, at 16 the third-youngest eligible member of the United States’ women’s gymnastics team, has the potential to have a memorable Olympics — even if it’s not quite as memorable as the one Simone Biles is expected to have.

Hernandez is not in the limelight because of the attention Biles commands and the fact that it is Hernandez’s first Olympics. But at the U.S. Olympic Trials in early July, Hernandez showed her potential by finishing second in the all-around with a two-day score of 121.150 and pacing the field on the balance beam (32.200).

Hernandez also finished third on the floor (30.000) and fourth on vault (30.300).

A 2018 University of Florida commit from New Jersey, Hernandez is known for her powerful and energy-packed floor-exercise routine.

This story was originally published August 8, 2016 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Hernandez, 16, could make quite a first impression with U.S. women’s gymnastics team."