Meet the Moms Behind the US Olympic Women’s Gymnastics Team
— -- For the five young women going for the gold on the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team, everything they’ve done in their lives has led up to this pressure-packed moment. But the pressure is not just reserved for the athletes.
The mothers of the three of the gymnasts told “Good Morning America” they are just as nervous as their daughters, Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas and the youngest team member, 16-year-old Laurie Hernandez.
Gabby’s mother, Natalie Hawkins, has been through all of the excitement and nerves of the Olympics before, but said Rio is still hitting her differently.
“I think it’s a little different because Gabrielle is four years older and just to see the way she’s handling everything now … More subtle, more grounded,” Hawkins explained from the P&G family home in Rio, where Olympians' families spend time watching events, eating meals and even getting makeovers.
Nellie Biles’ daughter Simone is expected to win big as she steps into the Olympics spotlight for the first time.
“I think that Simone tries real hard not to pay attention to what the expectation is of others,” said Biles, whose daughter has been predicted to win five gold medals. “I believe there’s more pressure on me than on Simone because I am so nervous. I mean, I am just a wreck. And Simone knows that so she is the one who would text me or call me, ‘Mom, I am doing good and I’m ready.’”
As their daughters prepare to compete tonight, the moms are taking it all in-- Especially Wanda Hernandez, whose daughter Laurie is the first U.S. Hispanic-born gymnast to make the Olympic team in 30 years.
“Proud, very proud of Laurie,” Hernandez said of her teenage daughter. “And just grateful for the moment. At this point we’re just enjoying the team work, the leaders. Kudos to all of these parents. All the team and all the team moms, and just everybody that competes out there because it’s not just about our girls. Also other girls that have sweat, that have made such an effort whether you’re an elite or you’re college gymnastics or having fun—I can’t do it.
“The moment you get on the beam, wow,” she added. “A lot of respect from me. I’m just totally grateful and enjoying the team camaraderie and the fact that Laurie has pure leaders and educators, coaches to look up to. I’m wowed.”
When asked if the group of moms had any celebration plans lined for after Thursday, they all laughed while replying, “Yes.”
“I have difficulty sleeping so I think my sleep will definitely come starting Friday,” Biles added.
There is just one thing their daughters’ team is missing: a nickname. The 1996 gold medal team was known as the “Magnificent Seven.” The 2012 crew was called the “Fierce Five.” As of now, the young ladies of 2016 are still waiting for the right fit.
