RIO DE JANEIRO — She led them through the dimly lit hallway at the Rio Olympic Arena, her chin high, a mischievous little half-smile shining on her face. The way she looked, she could have been holding a royal flush in a game of poker.
The youngest member of the American women gymnasts was a picture of confidence as she cantered toward the stadium floor for the start of the team competition finals, her teammates in star-spangled leotards following behind her—Aly Raisman, Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas and Madison Kocian. Yes, it was as if 16-year-old Laurie Hernandez already knew what would be confirmed two hours later: This year's U.