Flooring the Competition

Aug 7, 2013 by Elizabeth Stranahan

No longer a newcomer to the elite scene, Laurie Hernandez of MG Elite arrives at the 2013 P&G Championships with expectations. This marks the second Championships for the newest member of the Junior National Team who despite a rocky showing at the Secret US Classic just two weeks ago, should fit well into the mix for the all around competition. A place she eagarly steps up to occupy. "Last year, it was like a whole new thing that I didn't know what was going on," Hernandez recalls about her first Secret Classic, "So this year, coming in, I knew what I was doing, I know what my expectartions were, and I was physically ready." And ready she was.

After a difficult fall from the balance beam, Hernandez went on to perform an exceptional, and exceptionally expressive floor routine. Before starting the floor competition Hernandez said, "I just thought, just finish it well. [The fall] already happened, just keep it moving." Hernandez moved herself right up the podium winning the floor title at the Classic showcasing both her strong talent and resilient nature.

Laurie Hernandez and teammate Ari Agrapides at the Karolyi Ranch earlier this year.

This year's Championships brings another noticable difference for Hernandez; this time she does not come alone. Teammate Ari Agrapides joins Hernandez on the podium for the Championship competition. This denotes the first Championship competition for Agrapides, but Hernandez assures that the duo works together to keep the nerves calm and the environment fun. Familiar faces and a now comfortable competition just may prove the magic recipe for Hernandez at the upcoming meet. Hernandez, though, keeps her head level and her expectations high, "I'm hoping to hit 8 for 8, and just I want to know that I can hit." Hernandez and Agrapides will start their Championship experiences on August 15th in Hartford, CT.