Laurie Hernandez Talks Overcoming Abuse, Tokyo 2021 And Helping Teens | TODAY

[@ernestb4473]

This young lady's eyes, smile and personality are absolutely the best. She's beautiful, yet one of the most humble people I've ever seen. Favorite gymnast ever.

[@apiFerrari]

she is hypocrite.........

[@cindyames-girard8133]

I'm with you° She is fabulous and the real deal!!

[@mollyb4026]

One of the most beautiful people, inside and out. I think this extra year will benefit her. I am rooting for her to make the team 💕

[@TiffanyCalverley]

I don’t like how the interviewer made her listen to Maggie’s statement

[@crazy4orlando2]

It would be okay to read it if Laurie was able to respond to it.

[@LivingAsTasha]

i think they had to read out maggie's statement for ethical and legal reasons - if they didnt read it out then she could sue the news network or journalist for slander & defamation because they didnt create a fairly balanced story (i studied journalism at university)

[@cameronvieira6648]

@@LivingAsTasha probably wasn't her call either it was probably the producers.

[@aprilsilvers381]

@@cameronvieira6648 and she should definitely be able to.

[@veronikas.8831]

@@LivingAsTasha oh please. Journalism isn’t real nowadays. Networks won’t allow you to pursue stories that don’t fall in line with what they want.. there’s nothing real about journalism or anything on tv

[@dennesey]

This woman has such a glow to her. Love her positivity.

[@alissaburge6375]

Laurie Hernandez is making a comeback for the Tokyo olympics of 2021. She wins gold and silver in the Rio olympics of 2016. 🤸🏻‍♂️GO FOR IT LAURIE 🤸🏼‍♀️🤸🤸🏻‍♂️🇺🇸

[@ABerry-vj5ut]

I've been excited ever since she announced it, so excited.

[@corneliusjames230]

Alissa Burge: Please learn the difference between present, past, future tense before you decide to post anything!

[@sunjanadas8795]

Cornelius James go easy on her, you don’t know her life. English may not be her first language or it could just be a silly mistake.

[@robertrodriguez787]

@@corneliusjames230 who made you the Grammer police

[@sanjuan3934]

🇵🇷🥇

[@ElleLillian]

What an emotionally intelligent and mature athlete. She’s a hero for making gymnastic safer for future gymnasts

[@unknown-lf6zx]

Stronger than you think is a much needed initiative. Mental health is so underserved. Thank you Laurie

[@madnatty]

Glad to see that sparkle back in her eyes.

[@arsenalmate5075]

She's looking smart, beautiful, strong

[@adrianops7]

Always such a breath of fresh air, your smile BRIGHTEN UP lives Laurie..

[@lebronjames5601]

Such an eloquent, vibrant and talented young lady. I wish her well in 2021.

[@TheColieRO]

There are so many forms of abuse within this sport (and I’m sure others). From this coach to Nassar to the couple that had the camp in TX. It’s very heartbreaking and not okay.

[@UKRenna]

I first saw Laurie by chance during the 2016 Olympics, such a impressive young lady, as are all the final five. Love her personality, and so sorry that she faced such abuse. I get the pressure everyone is under in elite gymnastics, but that is no excuse. Glad to see she is doing well.

[@michaelshelley1289]

i NEVER knew this happened until this very moment.....wow...I mean I know you have to be tough as a coach, but don't yell/scream at me....put you in your place faster than you can say your name....oh...and yelling at Laurie??? seriously?? i don't think she is someone who NEEDS to be yelled at

[@cats7414]

Reading up on everything the coach did is horrifying. I hate what these adults did to these girls so much

[@Tan87ful]

Agreed

[@2Ryled]

They all do it. You should look up a Chinese boy who did hand balancing. They screamed at him, punished him by making him do more grueling exercises, then went after his parents bc he went home and ate. It was awful. He's an adult now.

[@aprilsilvers381]

She is so mature at such a young age

[@ambermedellin6832]

And 20 people must not like her.

[@darlenemoak63]

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Laurie Hernandez. And not just because she's from my native state NJ. She is a champion!! I am so sorry for the abuse that Laurie endured.

[@shelbyluver]

She is so happy and positive!! Such a magnetic personality! I can’t wait to watch her in the 2021 Olympics!!

[@dianefrancis2253]

I’m so proud of Laurie. Love ❤️ this young lady .❤️❤️. I would love to see her in Tokyo 2021 . We need another one for beam along with Simone . Laurie is so bubbly and sweet.🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️

[@kpwmini]

Laurie I am praying you make it back to the Olympics. 2021 will be great for you. You look fantastic and you have your shine back. I will be praying and rooting for you.

[@francis5279]

She's fantastic. Looking forward to see her in Tokyo 2021.

[@margaretkinnaman8585]

I love Laurie's personality and how it comes out especially in her FX. Her dance is truly dance and not just flailing arms or head bobs....

[@helenf.7221]

These women athletes are amazing. The strength that she had dealing with that abuse and winning medals? Amazing young lady.

[@miriam3848]

Coach Haney's apology is so "sorrynotsorry"! Disgusting 🤢

[@juliakeller6228]

She’s a horrible person.

[@elinat2414]

Yup! It’s a classic ‘I’m sorry if YOU were offended by what I did’. She’s awful.

[@juliakeller6228]

dave4248 ; He’s even more horrible.

[@bentheg9793]

Coach Haney: I sincerely regret that you feel that way.

[@IFC97]

Yeah it’s really weird. Especially the fact that Maggie’s children’s grandmother is VIVIAN STRINGER. Rutgers woman’s head coach. Her baby father and her were arrested back in college for a shooting.

[@kennyvargas938]

It a shame that’s some people are not doctors to analyze what a person is going through! Until you pass Thur the experiences to judge! Give it up to Lauren for speaking out and making sure this does not happen to anybody else

[@LivingAsTasha]

i think they had to read out maggie's statement for ethical and legal reasons - if they didnt read it out then she could sue the news network or journalist for slander and defamation because they didnt create a fairly balanced story as she didn't get to voice her opinions/defence (i studied journalism at university)

[@marybins5027]

I think most people were more concerned with her reading it with her present

[@ElleLillian]

They could have read that part either before or after the interview with her present

[@veronikas.8831]

You said that already. And good for you for pursuing education but you must know by now that no matter how credible a story and source is, it won’t be presented unless the network also agrees with your standpoint towards the subject.. that being said there really is no truth in the media

[@intothemystic5223]

Or they can just say "allegedly". I've watched a million videos of accusations where they don't state the other parties' defense.

[@bdancerZ3]

I am so excited to see what the future holds for Laurie, and I truly think this extra year will only benefit her!

[@Dots8]

Why is USA gymnastics still running? That organization is rotten 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@cjerke]

the governing body of gymnastics in the usa was dismantled after a monster (at MSU e lansing) was found in the system. usa gymnastics is under SAFESPORT now. and rebuilding

[@JennSCHWA]

Because USA gymnasts want to compete just like everyone else. And what about the other countries? I’m sure they’re not all perfect either. Yes, what happened with everything here is awful, but these girls still competed through it because they love the sport. All these girls work so hard and you think they’re just gonna stop and be ok with that? Yeah no. Try telling thousands of girls there’s no more gymnastics. Loll.

[@canadey97]

JennSCHWA literally, Russia and other Ex-Soviet countries (especially in Rhythmic Gymnastics) have abused their gymnasts for YEARS (and still do) so if we’re gonna call for the cancellation of one country’s program we should be criticizing the ones that are even more toxic. And it’s not like these countries have ever even remotely recognized what’s going on behind the scenes.

[@veronikas.8831]

The only way to really bring gymnastics back to normal where the coaches aren’t prizing prepubescent children is to raise the minimum age requirement at the Olympics to 18. This would allow gymnasts to train at a slower pace, reduce injuries and encourage coaches to train adult gymnasts instead of focusing on having gymnasts delay puberty and natural growth cycles.

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

@@canadey97 dislike your whataboutism, sorry…

[@raquelarredondo1642]

These coaches need to be closely monitored! They get away with too much for too long! USA Gymnastics should be dismantled

[@JustBrowsing00]

While tough disciplinary coaching style may be revered, athletes at that level are highly self driven, and positive reinforcement is the best method to maximize their capability.

[@creating1_c1999]

Many don't make it to elite without a tough coach. If they were self-driven, they wouldn't need a tough disciplinary for a coach.

[@almadeluz501]

@@creating1_c1999 you can be tough and discipline without degrading someone. That’s abusive. Name calling, screaming/yelling, and body shaming is NOT necessary to get a point across. That’s why it’s called abusive. You can point out how to do better and what went wrong without being abusive about it.

[@CCRoxtar]

@@almadeluz501 Exactly. Dominique Moceanu had similar experiences with the Karolyis when she was a gymnast. Now that she runs her own gym, she uses positive coaching techniques & includes yoga in the curriculum to make sure future generations of athletes won't have to endure what she did. As for Laurie, she found a new coach who treats her with respect, as I saw in a vid of her 2021 Winter Cup performance.

[@multiyapples]

I hope she makes its to Tokyo.

[@01144304623]

Laurie is an absolute angel 😇 ❤️ that smile is just so infectious 😊👏😃

[@CodySDivineCreators]

That was a little insensitive for this interviewer to voice Maggie’s statement in this interview with Laurie listening along. Particularly being that Laurie struggles from depression. That part could have been added after the call ended in the segment. And this entire situation is incredibly stressful for her. And something she has a right to put behind her being that it was filed in 2016! NBC could do better. A little more sensitive and considerate of Laurie in her mental health situation.

[@LivingAsTasha]

i think they had to read out maggie's statement for ethical and legal reasons - if they didnt read it out then she could sue the news network or journalist for defamation because they didnt create a fairly balanced story (i studied journalism at university)

[@CodySDivineCreators]

LivingAsTasha that’s why in these segments they usually read that stuff after the call is over. They did that mid interview. Rookie mistake.

[@juliusbernotas]

@@CodySDivineCreators why do you think she's so miserable, that she can't even hear some stupid formal apology

[@ElleLillian]

@@juliusbernotas No one said she was miserable, they said she suffered from depression. Not the same thing.

[@WeMustAllHangTogetherOr]

Ms. Hernandez managed this inappropriate and, frankly, insulting statement with great decorum and much to her credit.

[@damienabsalon]

Maggie always came across as a nice person. I am shooketh

[@Daffyduck1988]

I know so deceiving

[@margaretkinnaman8585]

So did Dr Nasser....

[@giuliafilippi635]

You are a wonderful and inspiring girl! You are truly the best! You have inspired me to make my own KZbin channel! Stay happy and healthy! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@beautitudes]

Love her. Vulnerable. Strong. And brave. What other gymnastics coaches ? What dance teachers !

[@dianemurray6550]

I just love this young lady.

[@bradyh6004]

laurie remember, there are people who actually care about you and your mental health more than gymnastics ;)

[@funcheer1661]

And no one woulda thought Maggie Hainey.... it just shows how USA gymnastics will never get a full sorry

[@lenamurr1]

She’s so great! Go gymnasts!

[@bradyh6004]

I JUST WANNA GIVE HER A BIG HUGGGGGG

[@zacharymeyer9881]

This feels uncomfortable the way that the interviewer asks questions to Laurie. Like she’s trying to make her say stuff that will cause drama.

[@zacharymeyer9881]

But Laurie’s smile is gorgeous and electric!

[@lalalallalalallalala]

God I can’t believe they made her listen to that u can see the shock in her face

[@ElleLillian]

Agreed. It was SO disrespectful

[@jukodebu]

some interview in 2016 she was praising Martas coaching saying thats why were so good. good luck to you

[@briansniffin2719]

I hope she makes it

[@emilieromero6004]

Nearly all wonderful.. But... the part where Maggie Haneys retort was read was very insensitive.

[@lvega5606]

Journalists always have to include comment from the other side, or at least attempt to get comment. Otherwise the program is not considered fair, and there could be liability issues as well.

[@NinaZuccaro0824]

I love how she literally admits she coaches to earn gold for herself.. not for the gymnasts.

[@JulieR73]

Laurie is so awesome!

[@laman8914]

These institutions always promise better after all the harm has been done, despite the fact the they were made aware of abuse in early stages. The problem is: results are more valued than lives. Lives are dispensable, results are forever. I wonder to what extent money from the government or sponsors also plays a role in maintaining the 'result above life' policy.

[@margaretkinnaman8585]

Money plays a huge role in gymnastics. USAG is worth $100+ million in 2019 ( the last year there is information from the IRS)...... The gymnasts come & go but the coaches and CEOs stay. The gymnasts are disposable, the money they generate isn't.

[@edwardalmendarez8578]

Me thinking I’m cool cause her mom worked at my elementary school 😎💀😂

[@bedroomguest]

Woah! Ok that is very cool! :C

[@sundownsahara]

Does anyone know if she was one of the victims of abuse from Larry Nassar? I heard about Aly, Madison, Simone, Gabbie, and countless others, was she one of these victims or did she happen to have a different doctor?

[@creating1_c1999]

No. She was fortunate because she had just made it out of juniors due to her age.

[@pedrofalcon2971]

Wow gd luck with ur come back

[@cara_melkoala8405]

Ok, everyone ignoring the fact she literally looks like Moana!

[@unknown-lf6zx]

I just love her

[@lucindagaskill7137]

Don’t sugar coat it - tell it like it was !

[@PerfectaRhyme]

The coach is GONNA go crazy and stalk u and she's dangerous

[@reddon1338]

You rock

[@liceous]

0:58 mckayla maroney

[@juliakeller6228]

😂

[@intothemystic5223]

Nobody should be surprised. This is a very common theme with USAG.

[@syb_764]

Hold tf up I had no clue with Maggie Haney

[@g.g9158]

Watch this. She has zero empathy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXbVe36tZ9x0nK8

[@YJSBMMAMRA]

FIRST SIMONE AND NOW LAURIE! WHAT IS GOING ON PEOPLE! THEY ARE AMERICA’S NATIONAL TREASURE! WHAT IN THE WORLD AMERICAN OLYMPICS!

[@ramprakashgaund8677]

She look absolutely gorgeous... Fairy qween.. Lauren Hernandez... I'm your Very big fan.... I'm Indian....

[@reddon1338]

How could anyone hurt you sob

[@tinadoyle237]

The interviewer didn’t have much compassion for Laurie here

[@nobhill1991]

That treatment is archaic...

[@NaNa-er4sw]

Very brave young lady👏🏾 Yet Naomi was attack for speaking out on her mental health. 😟

[@theanonymousplayer]

i met laurie one time

[@bamagym]

What about football coaches cursing at their athletes? Where's the story on that as well?

[@2Ryled]

You should see how a Russian coach treated the top rhythmic gymnast. How the girl put up with that I don't know. She treated her like a non human. Telling her she was stupid. She'll never make it. It was so abusive

[@warrengerard5092]

❤❤

[@amrose4214]

Wow, eye opening yes. It does get to assault level in these sports i mean its rewarding when the athlete is pushed beyond there limits to do better and get the gold and maybe some are cool or can just handle the pressure with a stoic quiet attitude. In europe that type of hard core coaching like in Romania Russia is like accepted. But when coaches get so mean or name calling or even a few whacks around

[@g.g9158]

Maggie lack of empathy even when parents and judges are watching is very concerning. What was happening behind closed doors. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXbVe36tZ9x0nK8

[@rebeccam.7249]

i thought she stoped doing gymnastic o.m.g she is back yes cause i was like where us she has she stoped or what

[@ilariagiovanetti1555]

Io la adoro

[@juliusbernotas]

Gymnastics training is notoriously hard, and there are some videos of how Russian and Chinese coaches speak to their disciples, which is straight up insulting them all the time. USA seems to abandon such things, however, the results will tell in a few years if it was worth it. Common understanding suggests that elite athletes should receive training like elite soldiers.

[@cjjonez]

these are babies....its sad that they really dont have no recourse. and you got these greedy pimps in these governing bodies shielding and protecting these abusers......no these not high paying pro sports paying sports. but they generate tens to hundreds of millions for these pimps to live a bougie life and existence. hopefully these parent can get a handle on this and slow the trend down ijs

[@jasonmartin1267]

Why don’t these incredible gymnasts like Laurie’s level especially just fire the coaches. I know the girls that aren’t super famous and rich don’t have that choice but Laurie could’ve told her to get screwed as soon as she got on the Olympic team.

[@g.g9158]

This would have meant moving to a new city. A sudden gap in training etc.

[@margaretkinnaman8585]

I think a lot of these young ladies are so conditioned to obey their coaches by the time they reach the elite level that no one questions their methods. I think the ladies suffer from a case of Stockholm Syndrome.

[@creating1_c1999]

Laurie was trained from 6 I believe under Haney, that's like family. It's hard to distinguish between professional/family relationship. Plus Laurie can't fire anyone because she didn't hire her, the parents did. Haney is out for about 8 years, and Laurie is an adult, who can hire her coaching staff.

[@RelentlessDjango]

Where were the parents??? Not an excuse for Haney, but WHERE WERE THE PARENTS OF THE ATHLETE???

[@LJ13222]

Laurie is one of three kids. i know being 1 of 4 my parents just weren't always able to stay at the gym during practices. sometimes yes, but realistically they cant be, they have other kids who were in sports or activities, their own jobs, etc. the amount of training time Laurie put in the gym is just not realistic for a parent to be present. are parents at every football, soccer, cheerleading, dance, basketball practice? its just not practical or attainable :/

[@mjamitche5245]

She told them in 2016. After that, they didn't allow her to train with her anymore and reported the coach. What more do you want? People always want to blame everyone but the perpetrator.

[@RelentlessDjango]

@@mjamitche5245 Oh, the criminal IS DEFINITELY TO BLAME. BUT; parents should talk with their children MORE, instead of trust that EVERY adult has their childs' best interest in mind. Parents nowadays want to be their child's friend instead of a parent!

[@lisalafayette]

@@RelentlessDjango Along with that some of the *PARENTS* have *$$$$* in their eyes. No one wants to hear that; but it's true. Some of these fathers and mothers only see future 'big money' contracts and sponsors who will pay millions for these athletes to push their products. Parents push, push and push their kids out the door into the arms of these coaches and USA Gymnastics staff members all the while hoping for 'early retirement', extravagant houses and expensive cars. Again.....no one wants to say that. But some of these parents have their 'heads in the sand' and will sacrifice their daughters for selfish reasons.

[@kevinsam3078]

No HOLD UP, laurie said in her statement on instagram, she complained to her parents alot and her parents tried to confront her many times, maggie haney would brush her parents off by some fake promises , then take it out on laurie the following practices, and punish her for complaining , and then she just started to tell her parents everything is ok, because maggie haney was scaring laurie and denying everything and making her feel like it was in her head, you make it seem like laurie was an adult when this happened, she was a kid when it started and even when she got to rio she was only 16

[@DanielLuce1]

What a terrible interview! Let Laurie tell her story for herself!

[@bunkerhillguy2542]

The verbal abuse in high performance sports in general has always been high... are men going to sue their football, basketball, gymnastics coaches for similar verbal abuse?

[@sidneyb7085]

It wasn’t just verbal abuse... There were many other things involved in the case. One girl was forced to do a skill she said she didn’t feel ready for and they refused to spot her, she then missed the bar and landed head first on the concrete and was rushed to the hospital. Maggie would make comments in front of everyone if the girls appeared to of put on any weight (which encouraged eating disorders), and was having her gymnastics to train/compete while injured. Although verbal abuse is obviously not ok either it was more then Maggie just being a strict coach.

[@bunkerhillguy2542]

Sidney B the issue is also that many high performance athletes have to train or compete with injuries. Makayla Maroney competed with a broken toe at the 2012 Olympics. She could complain and not compete and could have given her spot to another alternate gymnast... also gymnastics is clearly subjective and the judges do judge on physical appearance including body weight even if it’s not in the code of points. That’s just the reality even though people don’t want it say it.

[@bunkerhillguy2542]

Sidney B one more example is the legendary Kerri Strug who competed with a injury to her ankle in the 1996 Olympics. Bela said to her “you can do it” and she did and won the gold metal. Bela shouldn’t be sued for that... that would be so wrong in my opinion... sometimes you gotta compete in pain or just get out of the sport.

[@AnaGonzalez-rq8vo]

Bunker Hill Guy it is very different to do it by your own decision than to be forced to train/compete on a severe injury... especially by humilliating the athlete into doing it. Also, these girls are mostly MINORS, not 30 year old football players who make a living out of playing

[@bunkerhillguy2542]

Ana Gonzalez Kerri Strug, Chelsea Memmel, Jordan Wieber, Kim Zmeskal all were minors and all competed with injuries at World or Olympics. And they had the choice not to. Regan Smith also was injured and didn’t compete. They have choices. Don’t sue the coaches. Just quit.

[@metsdudenj]

I find it Interesting she did not make any accusations during the alleged abuse, and still managed to live at her coaches house and use her for financial support on her way to the Olympics.

[@g.g9158]

Watch Maggie not even flinch watching her athletes take a major fall. If you have zero empathy or concern when in public light i would be concerned about what was happening at the gym where parents were not welcome

[@metsdudenj]

@@g.g9158 that says nothing. Athletes need to also be self sufficient, they are the ones responsible for their performances. Do you expect the coach to pick you up and hold you like a child when you make a mistake? New Jersey parents are the worst, all helicopter parents who are a bunch of cats. My kids both were at that gym and they were treated very well. And one was elite and was never mistreated once. But then again, they werent crybabies who needed attention.

[@g.g9158]

@@metsdudenj did you watch the video? Every judge and parent reacted but her.

[@g.g9158]

@@metsdudenj kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXbVe36tZ9x0nK8

[@metsdudenj]

@@g.g9158 They look kind of poker faced to me in all of the clips you show. But, that is not uncommon in gymnastics. I dont see her chiding the gymnast for the errors, and the clips dont show if there is conferencing or comforting afterwards.

[@sandryksominski3209]

o lily🏳‍🌈🎌

[@georgiejackpot9540]

This is abuse??? Being yelled at and forced to workout harder? The new generation are a bunch of pansies

[@vivavoice7211]

And taking casts off injuries and being forced to train on injured limbs?. You don't get the best out of people by bullying them - especially children. The coaches want the glory more than they care about the poor girls and the culture allowed all that abuse. Larry Nasser was not the only one.

[@georgiejackpot9540]

@@vivavoice7211 I was talking about the normal tough love that was ok in the 80’s and all of a sudden a travesty

[@queenqong5381]

@@georgiejackpot9540 Forcing athletes to do extra conditioning as a punishment for reporting unethical coaching practices to their parents is not tough love, it is abuse. Overtraining an athlete to the point that they develop a life threatening muscle condition and forcing them to continue training regardless is not tough love, it is abuse. Hope this helps.

[@georgiejackpot9540]

@@queenqong5381 then don’t compete if you’re a fraidy loser. Sit on your couch or live under your mothers skirt

[@patpatterson9018]

get out of South Carolina please

[@youtmeme]

Idk the facts of this case...

[@g.g9158]

Watch her coach in this video at competition. No empathy after athlete takes major fall. If she has zero empathy or concern for her athlete in public light imagine what was happening at the gym where parents aren't allowed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXbVe36tZ9x0nK8

[@elenadavis7621]

No one finds it odd that she is smiling and laughing during all of this and can’t look at the camera? Idk sorry but I don’t buy it 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@LJ13222]

that nice nobody asked. imagine talking about a hard time in your life on camera in front of the whole world. its uncomfortable and people handle that differently on camera, when i get uncomfortable i smile and theres literally no reason for it i just cant help it. its not that uncommon.

[@elenadavis7621]

Leah Jane considering I know someone personally from the gym who knows she’s lying...yeah...it’s messed up and wrong!

[@mjamitche5245]

@@elenadavis7621 Why would anyone lie about that? Besides, there are video recordings (1 of which I've seen) of Haney being abusive. Additionally, there was an investigation that found her guilty. Anyway, in 8 years people can line up if they want to to have an abuser train their kids again.

[@mjamitche5245]

Shame on you for condemning an abused young woman on a public platform.

[@elenadavis7621]

mjamitche5 not really 🤷🏼‍♀️ but thanks for your opinion...🙄