Biles and Hernandez Make TIME's 30 Most Influential Teens of 2016 List
Biles and Hernandez Make TIME's 30 Most Influential Teens of 2016 List
Simone Biles and Laurie Hernandez have been named to TIME's annual list of the 30 Most Influential Teens.
Simone Biles and Laurie Hernandez have been named to TIME's annual list of the 30 Most Influential Teens. In 2016, Biles and Hernandez were not only stars at the Rio Olympic Games, but also have carried on their stardom and influence into many other post-Olympic opportunities.
In Rio, Biles became the first female gymnast to earn four golds at a single Games since 1984. She has been the golden girl of the sport for years, winning three consecutive all-around World titles before locking in her GOAT status with another in Rio.
Since the Games, Biles has been on tour with the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions, making media appearances all over the nation, and she just starred in a Jake Miller music video. The post-Olympic life has surely been exciting and fun, but Biles is a born competitor and feels she has more left in her gymnastics tank. She plans to return to training next year with a goal of competing in the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Hernandez is known for her bright and vibrant personality, and she has also made an impact on the Latina community through her success. She didn't see many Latina girls like herself while growing up in the gym, but she didn't think much of it until she became a high-profile gymnast.
"There weren't a lot of Hispanic role models, especially in gymnastics," she said.
Hernandez went pro before the Rio Games, signed endorsement deals with Crest and Orgullosa, and is the one to beat on this season of "Dancing with the Stars." She is also on the Kellogg's Tour of Champions and traveling all over the country for appearances and events -- such as The Ellen Show.
For Hernandez, it's not just about the fame. It's about her impact on her fans.
Related:
73 Questions with Simone Biles
After Years of Domination, Simone Biles Finally Becomes Household Name
Laurie Hernandez Closes Rio Olympics in Style, Looks Toward Tokyo 2020
Laurie Hernandez Partners with P&G as Orgullosa and Crest Athlete
In Rio, Biles became the first female gymnast to earn four golds at a single Games since 1984. She has been the golden girl of the sport for years, winning three consecutive all-around World titles before locking in her GOAT status with another in Rio.
Since the Games, Biles has been on tour with the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions, making media appearances all over the nation, and she just starred in a Jake Miller music video. The post-Olympic life has surely been exciting and fun, but Biles is a born competitor and feels she has more left in her gymnastics tank. She plans to return to training next year with a goal of competing in the Tokyo 2020 Games.
I feed off the crowd, and the pressure almost calms me in a way. I like to think of it as, I finally get to show off my routines.
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Hernandez is known for her bright and vibrant personality, and she has also made an impact on the Latina community through her success. She didn't see many Latina girls like herself while growing up in the gym, but she didn't think much of it until she became a high-profile gymnast.
"There weren't a lot of Hispanic role models, especially in gymnastics," she said.
Hernandez went pro before the Rio Games, signed endorsement deals with Crest and Orgullosa, and is the one to beat on this season of "Dancing with the Stars." She is also on the Kellogg's Tour of Champions and traveling all over the country for appearances and events -- such as The Ellen Show.
For Hernandez, it's not just about the fame. It's about her impact on her fans.
They say, 'You made Latinas proud!' And that hits me hard. It helps me realize that I've done something bigger than just gymnastics.With both athletes hoping to return to the 2020 Olympics to compete in Tokyo, there's no doubt they will be shining in the spotlight for many years to come.
Related:
73 Questions with Simone Biles
After Years of Domination, Simone Biles Finally Becomes Household Name
Laurie Hernandez Closes Rio Olympics in Style, Looks Toward Tokyo 2020
Laurie Hernandez Partners with P&G as Orgullosa and Crest Athlete