Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez, 18, has a new gig. The accomplished gymnast was tapped to co-host the upcoming "American Ninja Warrior Junior," which premieres on Oct. 13th at 7 p.m. ET on the Universal Kids Network. Hernandez will host alongside "ANW" personalities, Akbar Gbajabiamila and Matt Iseman. The reality competition show will follow more than 190 kids across three age groups -- 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14 -- as they contend on the obstacle course. The obstacles are all pulled from "American Ninja Warrior" courses and shrunk down to the appropriate size and challenge-level for the young competitors.
We caught up with Hernandez, who also won the mirrorball trophy on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2016, to talk about "ANW Junior" and her own training to make a run for the 2020 Olympic Games.
espnW: Why did you sign on to co-host "American Ninja Warrior Junior?"
Laurie Hernandez: I'm a big fan of the original show, "American Ninja Warrior," and I think the contenders are amazing. Some of these kids have worked so hard and have been inspired by the original show. When I was asked to co-host, I immediately said yes. For a lot of these kids, this is their dream. I understand what that feels like. It's an honor to be a part of their stories.
espnW: What was your favorite part about co-hosting?
LH: Definitely connecting with the kids. It was nice getting to know them and to give them some tips or any advice if they needed it. I loved getting to know them.
espnW: Did you get the itch to run the course?
LH: I did! I actually ran the course because of that. I had my mom's shoes on -- that was a big motivation for me not to fall into the water. But I ran through the course and completed it. It took me ten times longer than all of the kids.
espnW: What was the hardest obstacle for you?
LH: I didn't think it would be, but the Spin Cycle. I didn't realize how hard it was until I was up there. It swings in a circle rather than forward and back. I'm not used to doing that motion. I'm glad I got through that one.
espnW: When can we expect to see you back in the gym?
LH: I'm back in training! I'm training at Gym-Max in Costa Mesa, California, and the goal is definitely 2020. My coach is Jenny Liang.
espnW: What's the hardest part about returning to training?
LH: Waking up my body. I've taken a two-year break since Rio. I've had a great time, but it's been pretty hectic traveling and meeting new people. But I've been waking my body up and reminding it that this is what we usually do. It almost feels like it's been dormant. It's really just wiping the dust off.
espnW: How do you think USA Gymnastics should evolve going forward?
LH: The biggest thing is ensuring that the kids are safe and protected. No parent should go in worrying about their kid's health and safety. We need to make sure we have a guard for that. Taking away the sport is obviously not the answer. So many kids love the sport and it's what they're passionate about, including myself. I'm hoping that a lot of positive changes can happen as soon as possible.
espnW: How have you seen the influence of gymnastics in Ninja Warrior?
LH: A lot of the kids out there are gymnasts. Some are rock climbers and do karate and other sports, but a big handful of them are gymnasts. When I travel and do gymnastics clinics, a lot of the gymnasiums have Ninja Warrior sets as a part of their equipment. I think that's really neat for the kids to go in and try something new.
espnW: Does this mean that after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, we're going to see you out on the big kid's Ninja Warrior course?
LH: I haven't thought about that yet, but I wouldn't rule it out.