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Olympic Gymnast Laurie Hernandez Visits Local Gym In Fayetteville

FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — It was a dream come true for two rising gymnasts to meet Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez at the Williams Center in Fayetteville. &#...

FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) -- It was a dream come true for two rising gymnasts to meet Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez at the Williams Center in Fayetteville.

"We're not like the biggest [gymnastics] gym ever and we're in a small town so it's cool that she's here," said Fiona Blasingame

Before signing autographs Hernandez shared her story of success and defeat. Which was comforting for young gymnast Julia Watts who fell in love with gymnastics at 18 months.

"She said she had trouble with some of her skills and she had a way of focusing before she went and competed," said Watts. I think that might help me."

Jennifer Watts, Julia's mom, said meeting the Olympian was truly inspirational. "All this hard work is going to pay off in the end and she's proof of that," said Watts.

For Fiona's mom, Karen Blasingame, she said it was proof to her daughter of what hard work and dedication can get you. "The dedication and the discipline that it takes to get better at anything, just to keep trying and Laurie kept saying keep working and keep going," said Karen.

As a Walmart and Febreeze ambassador,  the Olympic gymnast said she owes her success to
keeping her confidence.

"Confidence is going out there even though you felt scared," said Hernandez.  "You still went out knowing you would hit your routine and I think that transfers to daily life as well."

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