Suni Lee’s path to the Paris Olympics was nothing short of extraordinary, as she battled two incurable kidney diseases that sidelined her for nearly a year and forced her to end her college gymnastics career prematurely. Despite the challenges, her love for the sport never faded, and her determination to compete on the world’s biggest stage only grew stronger. Against the odds, she made it to her second Olympics in Paris, where she won three medals, adding to the three she had previously earned in Tokyo. With six Olympic medals across two Games, her achievements were remarkable, but some fans still wanted more.
During a recent Q&A on Snapchat, a fan asked Suni about competing in the LA 2028 Olympics. Her response, however, left some fans disappointed: “Everyone is asking this, but guys, my body hurts. This sport kills me.” At 25 by the time of the LA Olympics, Suni would be considered a seasoned veteran in gymnastics, a sport where many female athletes retire in their late teens or early twenties due to the physical toll it takes on the body. Suni is not alone in acknowledging the sport’s challenges; even Simone Biles, at 27, has spoken about the pressure of competing at her age, describing gymnastics as having little longevity for most athletes.
Suni Lee’s candid admission about her physical struggles resonated with many fans on Reddit, where her comments sparked a conversation. Fans were largely supportive of her, with many emphasizing that people should stop pressuring her about her future in gymnastics, especially given her health issues. After her kidney disease diagnosis in 2023, Suni not only struggled with her signature gymnastics skills but also with basic activities like walking up stairs. Her road to recovery was grueling—she gained 40 pounds, couldn’t train for months, and dealt with intense side effects from medications. Despite these challenges, she fought her way back to compete in Paris, a feat many thought impossible.
However, asking her to push her body again for the LA 2028 Games may be too much. As one fan pointed out, it’s unrealistic to expect athletes like Suni to have answers about their future so soon after the Paris Olympics. Another fan added that while it would be incredible to see her compete again, her health should always come first. Suni has already cemented her legacy with six Olympic medals, and whether or not she competes again in the future, her place in gymnastics history is secure.
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