Simone Biles and her Rio teammate Laurie Hernandez are like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that just organically fit together. Both of them made their Olympic debut together at Rio de Janeiro in 2016, where their plans for catching the big fish- the Olympic Gymnastic ‘Team Champion’ title succeeded. They even shined individually as Hernandez bagged the balance beam silver, while Biles took home 3 more golds and a balance beam bronze. Ever since, their dynamic seems to have blossomed into a solid friendship.

But, 2021 announced itself as a drastic year for both the elegant gymnasts. While Hernandez bid farewell to her gymnastics career that year, Biles went on to represent the USA at the Tokyo Games but soon bowed out citing her struggles with the ‘twisties.’ Nonetheless, in this phase of uncertainty, Hernandez stepped up to back her friend in solidarity, whilst also sounding her worries about Biles’ condition.

Laurie Hernandez could only fathom Biles’ horrifying state

Simone Biles’ mid-event withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics had taken the entire gymnastics community by storm. Regardless, Laurie Hernandez’s only concern seemed Biles’ safety. Appearing in a discussion with TODAY alongside NBC prime-time host Mike Tirico, Hernandez had commented on Biles’ Instagram post. It featured the Ohio native remarking, ‘the weight of the world’ was on her shoulders.

In agreement with Biles’ stand, Hernandez had exclaimed, ‘I can’t imagine what she’s feeling right now…’ She added that people had already been keeping a very close eye on Biles for the last few years. And now with her ‘twisties’ announcement, ‘everybody wants to tune in.’ As a former gymnast, Hernandez could convey the insider’s perspective. She knew that there was ‘immense pressure’ and that would push Biles to feel, ‘I don’t want to let my team down.’ Therefore, it was best for them to not speculate and wish that Biles was just ‘physically, mentally’ okay.

But, she did agree that this must have been a nightmare for Biles. ‘That is terrifying, a competition without Simone when she is on your team,’ remarked Hernandez. Pitching in her example from Rio, she claimed that Biles was a safety net for the back then because she was just so powerful and won by so much. However, to piggyback off of her is just ‘too much pressure,’ which nobody can handle. Hernandez further chimed in saying, ‘I know she is the best, but that’s horrifying.’ Therefore, she was visibly worried. But the best they could do was let Biles know that they supported her.

While making her point, Hernandez had even touched on how it was unfair for them to burden Biles with such doubling pressure. Reminding that ‘This is a team of four, not a team of one,’ she strongly backed Biles. However, her sense of faith in the team also did come through in her words. Calling them underdogs, she vouched for the USA gymnastic women’s contingent and their camaraderie. She even hoped they could eventually make a podium finish.

Moreover, even today, when Biles is sailing through calmer seas, Hernandez continues to vouch for her favorite. Ahead of her Paris spectacle, she had lots to say about Biles’ brave comeback and winning potential. Let’s have a look.

Laurie Hernandez is on team Simone Biles ahead of Paris

The 33rd Olympic Games are just days away and Simone Biles is a top contender for a golden finish. Well, Laurie Hernandez agrees. In a recent interview with People, she exhibited confidence in Biles’ form. Her words of appreciation sounded like, “She’s just a surefire for Team USA [in Paris], to know that she’s going to go out there and be consistent.” Shedding light on the 27-year-old’s skills, she stated, “Her difficulty is so high, and she really is one of the best.” All in all, she unflinchingly agreed the community could count on her. And that, a dose of greatness is promised whenever her name pops up.

A 9x US Championships winner, Biles is every bit worthy of this praise. To this, Hernandez adds that Biles is aging like fine wine. She agrees that Biles is just getting better and better. Therefore, the rest of the year hopefully marks some of her decorated performances. Do you agree with Laurie? Let us know below.