Hernandez Places Third at the Pacific Rim Championships

It’s all golden for Laurie Hernandez

The 15-year-old Latina artistic gymnast, the reigning junior all-around national champion, placed third in the all-around competition at the Pacific Rim Championships to help lead the U.S. women to the team title.

Laurie Hernandez

The U.S. swept the top five spots. Simone Biles won the all-around title, Aly Raisman finished second. Brenna Dowell and Ragan Smith finished fourth and fifth respectively.

The U.S. won all four events en route to a team score of 243.200. Canada was second at 219.100, followed by Australia at 217.850.

Hernandez, who finished third at the City of Jesolo Trophy in Jesolo, Italy, last month, sat out Sunday’s individual finals to avoid any possible freak injury.

“The Olympic year is a long one,” said U.S. women’s team coordinator Martha Karolyi in a statement. “ … We are very proud of the entire team’s performance and want to make sure that we keep everyone in their optimal physical condition.”

Here’s a look at Hernandez’s performances:

Balance Beam

Floor Exercise

Vault

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