Laurie Hernandez Joins DWTS Season 23: 2nd Rio Olympian After Ryan Lochte

We are just going to start calling this season of Dancing With the Stars, Rio 2.0, as not only is there one athlete from the games joining the cast for season 23, but it appears that another one has signed on to compete for the mirrorball trophy. Laurie Hernandez, who proved she was a force to be reckoned with in her gymnastics floor routine, is getting ready to take on the dance floor. She will be joining fellow Rio star, Ryan Lochte in their hopes to take home the top prize.

According to Us Weekly, the 16-year-old gymnast is lacing up her dancing shoes in her hopes to be in the winners circle once again, but before she does so she'll have to beat out some pretty heavy hitters.

A photo posted by Laurie Hernandez (@lauriehernandez_) on Aug 23, 2016 at 11:21am PDT

Stars Amber Rose, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Jake T. Austin from Wizards of Waverly Place and The Fosters' fame, The Brady Bunch's Maureen McCormick, Terra Jole of Little Women: LA, and General Hospital star Emma Samms have all been confirmed.

It seems that Dancing With the Stars was looking to capitalize on the success of the Olympics when they were planning their cast for this season, as they were hoping to get Hernandez's teammate Simone Biles into the competition.

"They would love to cast some Olympians if possible," an insider revealed according to Hollywood Take.

While Hernandez's partner is yet to be announced, we have a strong feeling it might be Mark Ballas, has the pro tweeted out his admiration for the star on August 10 during the Olympics.

"I absolutely adore @lzhernandez02 just gorgeous #starpower #needadanceteacher?" Ballas wrote.