Laurie Hernandez — who won Olympic gold in 2016 — competed for the 1st time in 5 years.- She wore a Captain Marvel-inspired leotard during a floor routine set to the "
Hamilton " soundtrack. - Hernandez earned shout-outs from
Brie Larson andLeslie Odom Jr. for her performance.
Laurie Hernandez is back.
The 20-year-old gymnast returned to the mat this weekend for her first official competition since stealing hearts as a member of the Team USA "
As "The Room Where It Happens" played in the background, Hernandez flipped and danced her way to a 12.05 score in the event, good for an 11th-place finish in the floor exercise. And after the USA
—Laurie Hernandez (@LaurieHernandez) February 27, 2021
Odom Jr. was quick to respond, writing on Twitter that Hernandez "Murda'd it!" and was "So damn impressive" just a few hours after Hernandez initially shared the clip.
—Leslie Odom, Jr. (@leslieodomjr) February 28, 2021
The "Hamilton" star wasn't the only celebrity showing Hernandez love after her first performance in 1,657 days. Brie Larson - the Academy Award-winning actress who played the titular role in "
"Watching and wishing you strength in your return!" Larson added.
—Brie Larson (@brielarson) February 28, 2021
She also promised to play video games with Hernandez once it becomes safe to do so:
—Brie Larson (@brielarson) February 28, 2021
Hernandez finished the meet in 23rd-place, including a fifth-place finish on the balance beam in addition to her 13th-place finish on the floor. She opted out of the vault and uneven bars in the competition.
Though she already has a gold medal from the team all-around and a silver medal from her 2016 individual performance on the beam, Hernandez is now ramping up for more challenging competitions over the next several months with the hopes of qualifying for the Olympics this summer. But with a crowded field vying against her for just four roster spots, securing a bid to Tokyo will undoubtedly be an uphill battle.