One of the standout athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics is US artistic gymnast Sunisa “Suni” Lee. Despite facing significant health challenges, she has made an inspiring comeback, thanks to her family’s unwavering support and effective medical treatment. Here’s a look at her journey.
“It’s pretty amazing that she actually made it this far,” her mother said. “I’m just super proud that she actually made it.”
Early Life and Family
Born on March 9, 2003, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Suni Lee grew up in a supportive family. Her mother, Yeev Thoj, and stepfather, John Lee, have been central figures in her life since she was two years old. Suni has three half-siblings, Evionn, Lucky, and Noah, and two step-siblings, Jonah and Shyenne.
Rise to Gymnastics Stardom
Suni began her gymnastics journey at a young age. A family friend, noticing her natural talent, introduced her parents to a coach at the Midwest Gymnastics Center. Suni started her training at six and has since garnered numerous accolades. In recognition of her achievements, July 30, 2023, was declared “Suni Lee Day” in Minnesota and Saint Paul.
Triumph and Tragedy: Tokyo 2020 Olympics
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics marked a significant milestone in Suni’s career. Despite her father’s paralysis from a fall and losing loved ones to COVID-19, Suni persevered. Her dedication paid off when she won the Olympic all-around title, following Simone Biles’ unexpected withdrawal due to mental health concerns.
Struggles with Fame
The fame that followed her Tokyo victory was overwhelming. Coming from a conservative Hmong community, Suni found the attention intrusive. She faced stalking incidents and struggled with self-doubt fueled by online criticism.
“I just suck and all this stuff, it’s like very hard mentally,” Suni shared about the criticisms.
Battling Health Issues
In March 2023, Suni’s health took a turn when she was diagnosed with kidney-related conditions. The diagnosis initially seemed career-ending, causing her to stop training and cancel promotional work. She returned to Minnesota, battling depression and weight gain during her recovery.
Overcoming Adversity
Suni’s path to recovery was challenging. With support from her family and coach, she slowly returned to the gym. By February 2024, she was back to training daily, determined to overcome her health setbacks. The doctors’ good news in early 2024 about her medications working well provided a much-needed boost.
Return to Competitive Gymnastics
Suni’s dedication and hard work culminated in her making the US Olympic gymnastics team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her journey was marked by smaller goals, consistent training, and mental health practices like therapy and journaling. She learned to manage her health while focusing on her gymnastics career.
“I’ve been back in the gym every single day, eight hours a day, and it’s been going pretty well,” Suni revealed ahead of her Winter Cup debut.
A Community’s Support
Suni’s journey has been supported by her family and the broader Hmong community. Her return to the Olympics has been a source of pride and inspiration. Emilie Lee, a Hmong activist in France, emphasized the community’s excitement and support for Suni.
“When the community heard one of their own won a gold medal in the Olympics, they were all proud,” Emilie said.
Looking Forward
With her health in remission and a renewed focus on her training, Suni Lee is set to inspire at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of support from loved ones and the community.
Suni’s comeback proves that with perseverance and support, overcoming life’s setbacks is possible.