Suni Lee’s journey with the Olympics is one of resilience and inspiration, marking a defining chapter in modern gymnastics. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Lee stepped up when Simone Biles withdrew, winning a silver in the team event and a bronze on the uneven bars. Despite the pressures of missing the guidance of her legendary teammate, Lee rose to the occasion, solidifying her position as a key figure in the sport.
Notably, Lee also made history as the first Asian American gymnast to claim gold in the women’s all-around competition. Her journey, however, faced unexpected and challenging hurdles. In 2023, she publicly disclosed her struggle with two incurable kidney diseases, conditions that made even daily tasks difficult. Though this setback could have ended her career, she pushed forward and ultimately earned a spot in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Throughout this period, Lee leaned heavily on Biles for emotional support, crediting her friend for helping her regain confidence.
Though a six-time Olympic medalist, Lee still faces the pressures and insecurities common among young adults. She has consistently spoken highly of Biles, whom she has admired since childhood, appreciating both her talent and character. At a national championship, after a vault routine that didn’t go as expected, Biles was there to provide reassurance and encouragement. When it was Lee’s turn to perform on the uneven bars, Biles cheered from the sidelines, further reinforcing Lee’s confidence. For Lee, competing alongside her idol in Paris was a dream come true.
When she arrived in Paris, her teammates encouraged her to approach the competition with the confidence of an Olympic champion. This year’s games represented a kind of “redemption tour” for both gymnasts, with Biles supporting Lee in pushing past nerves and external expectations. Lee’s journey to Paris was far from easy. In 2023, with her health declining, many assumed Tokyo might have been her last Olympics. Nevertheless, Lee was committed to one more Olympic appearance, training through tough days and managing her health for a return to the world’s biggest stage.
Leading up to the U.S. Olympic Trials, however, she experienced a health relapse that left her in need of treatment. The kidney diseases required intense management, often causing fatigue and impacting her confidence. After adapting her training, she delivered a remarkable performance during the floor finals at Paris’s Bercy Arena, sparking speculation about retirement. Lee added fuel to these rumors by reposting a video hinting at her last performance, leading fans to wonder if the Paris Games would be her final competition.
Following the Olympics, Lee moved to New York, hoping to explore her identity outside of gymnastics. While she has left the door open to returning to competition, her focus now is on discovering life beyond the sport. Lee’s close friendship with Biles has been a central support throughout her career, helping her navigate the intense pressures of elite gymnastics.