Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez talks about mental health at UI

Gold and silver Olympic gymnastics champion, Dancing with the Stars champion, and philanthropist Laurie Hernandez sat in front of about 120 attendees at the University of Iowa tonight to deliver a lecture, entitled “I Got This.”

Attendees filled the International Ballroom at the Iowa Memorial Union to hear Hernandez speak. Many arrive more than an hour before securing a good seat.

After her silver and gold wins at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Hernandez began going to college campuses nationwide to discuss the importance of following a passion. He has spoken at many universities, including Cornell University, Kean University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The one-hour lecture begins with a recount of Hernandez’s gymnastics journey, beginning with a low placement in her early teens and leading to her victory in the 2016 Olympics.

Hernandez stressed the importance of prioritizing mental health and positive self-talk, and said she suffered from performance anxiety as a gymnast.

“When I talk to other people about it, they remind me that just because my body is giving me all these signals, that doesn’t mean it’s proof that I’m not going to get better,” Hernandez said.

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Hernandez said he created a “toolbox” of techniques to manage his stress and taught breathing exercises to the crowd.

He continued to use this “toolbox” throughout his college career at New York University, where he studied drama and minored in creative writing. She graduated in May.

She made her Broadway debut on March 17 in “& Juliet” at the Sondheim Theater in New Yorkfollow his ambition to become an actor and screenwriter.

“Gymnastics has a very low shelf life, you can only do it for so long. Seeing her being as accomplished as she was in gymnastics, but then seeing her moving, I think it’s really inspirational to see that you can still progress in life,” said Lensch.

Allie Lenscha fourth-year UI student, has been a competitive gymnast for 13 years and remembers watching Hernandez compete in 2016. She said Hernandez was an influential figure for her both as an athlete and a student.

“I’m really glad that I got the chance to see him,” Lensch said. “Laurie has always been an inspirational athlete, especially watching her move from gymnastics to acting, writing, and being so creative. I love watching that.

Ainsley Culturea fourth-year UI student and member of the UI Lecture Committee, suggested the idea of ​​Hernandez coming to UI to speak.

“I thought it would be great to hear from someone our own age, and it would be more relatable,” said Menning. “You know, we all go through that phase in our lives of ‘what’s next,’ and he’s been there a few times.”

Hernandez encouraged the audience to treat themselves with respect and listen to their minds and bodies.

“Even standing in front of you, I’m still a little worried. But everything is fine because I’m paying attention. I encourage you all to pay attention,” said Hernandez. “If you feel burned out, take a break. Remember that you are not alone.”