Laurie Hernández, 20, a member of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team at the 2016 Summer Olympics, proved what a superhero she is by making a comeback to the sport Saturday (Feb. 27) and even received a shout out from a famous movie superhero, too.
Hernández, who is Puerto Rican, had a stressful 2020 that included her former coach getting leveled with an eight-year suspension by USA Gymnastics for abusive conduct, some of which caused Hernández to struggle with depression and an eating disorder.
On Saturday (Feb. 27), she competed in the Winter Cup, her first gymnastics meet since the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Not only did she show off her talent, but she also debuted the first of what sounds like a series of superhero-inspired leotards she’s designed. The first was designed to look like the Captain Marvel suit.
“OK, so I told some of y’all that my leos I designed for this year are all inspired by superheroes…here’s the first one!”
Then, Hernández tagged Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson (Room), who portrays Captain Marvel in the Marvel movies, and asked if she approved of her stylish getup.
Larson replied that she did. “Consider this comment my formal stamp of approval!! Watching and wishing you strength in your return!”
If Hernández’s performance on the floor and beam was any indication of what 2021 will look like for her, Larson might want to take note if Marvel is looking for another superhero to join their ranks. Hernández can fly!