By age 21, Suni Lee has achieved more than most gymnasts can even dream about. From making history at her first Olympic Games in Tokyo to taking the Auburn University gymnastics program to new heights, there's no denying Lee has made a huge impact on the sport. As she gears up for her second Olympic Games, get up to speed with what Lee has accomplished so far.
Early Career and World Championships
Prior to becoming a star at the Tokyo Games, Suni Lee brought home a complete set of medals at the 2019 World Championships (team gold, floor exercise silver and uneven bar bronze) in her first season competing at the senior level. This early success foreshadowed her future dominance on the world stage. At those championships, she performed exceptionally well under pressure, helping the US women's team secure the gold medal by a wide margin. Her floor routine, set to a medley of Latin music, particularly stood out for its dynamic choreography and precise tumbling passes.
Lee, a Hmong-American athlete from St. Paul, Minnesota, began gymnastics at the age of six after watching the 2012 Olympics on television. She trained at Midwest Gymnastics under coaches Jess Graba and Alison Lim. Her rise through the junior national team was marked by consistent performances and a rapid improvement in difficulty. By the time she reached the senior level, she was already considered a key member of the US national team. Her heritage has made her a role model for many Asian American and Hmong communities, who see themselves represented in her success.
Historic Olympic Debut
In her first Olympic appearance in Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021), she won the coveted all-around gold medal, as well as a silver medal in the team competition and bronze on uneven bars. Lee is the first Hmong-American Olympian and the first Asian-American woman to win the Olympic all-around title. This achievement brought immense pride to the Hmong community globally, as many families celebrated her historic win. The all-around competition was incredibly close, with Lee edging out Brazil's Rebeca Andrade by a margin of less than 0.15 points. On the uneven bars, her signature event, she executed a flawless routine to secure the bronze medal behind Belgium's Nina Derwael and ROC's Anastasiia Iliankova.
Her all-around victory was particularly dramatic. After Simone Biles withdrew from the team final due to mental health concerns, Lee stepped up to lead the team to silver. In the all-around final, she delivered a stellar performance, especially on uneven bars and balance beam, where she showcased her exceptional technique and artistry. Her beam routine included a difficult series of skills and a stuck landing, earning her a score of 14.466. The victory was emotional for Lee, who dedicated her gold to her community and her family, especially her father who had been partially paralyzed in a previous accident.
Collegiate Career at Auburn
Shortly after her success in Tokyo, Lee headed to Auburn University where she made history as the first Olympic all-around champion to do collegiate gymnastics. She chose Auburn over other top programs, drawn by the coaching staff and the welcoming atmosphere. At the 2022 NCAA Championships, Lee won the all-around silver, balance beam gold and helped the Auburn Tigers to a historic fourth-place finish. She became a fan favorite, known for her electrifying routines and leadership. Her presence at Auburn brought unprecedented attention to the gymnastics program, with meets selling out and television ratings soaring.
During her freshman season, Lee scored two perfect 10s on uneven bars and three on balance beam. Her sophomore season saw her add two more 10s on uneven bars and two on balance beam, bringing her total to nine perfect scores. These achievements set records and drew massive crowds to SEC gymnastics meets. Her beam routine, in particular, became legendary for its difficulty and consistency. Lee also contributed to Auburn's strong team culture, mentoring younger gymnasts and fostering a competitive yet supportive environment. She balanced her academic workload with intense training, maintaining a rigorous schedule that included classes, practice, and travel for meets.
Challenges and Comeback
Lee faced significant challenges after her college career. She was diagnosed with kidney issues that affected her training and caused health concerns that required careful management. In a candid interview, she shared that the condition led to swelling, fatigue, and difficulty maintaining her training volume. Despite these obstacles, she continued to pursue her dream of competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her resilience has been an inspiration to many young athletes who face similar health struggles.
In 2023, Lee returned to elite gymnastics, competing at the U.S. Classic and World Championships trials. She performed admirably, showing that her skills remained sharp despite the time away from elite competition. At the 2023 U.S. Championships, she placed eighth overall, but more importantly, she demonstrated improvements on vault and floor exercise, events that had been weaker for her in the past. Her consistent performances earned her a spot on the 2024 Olympic team, making her a strong contender to defend her all-around title in Paris. Her comeback story adds another layer to her already impressive career.
Financial Impact and NIL Deals
At the Tokyo Olympics, U.S. Olympians who reached the medal podium received payments from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee: $37,500 for every gold medal, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze. That would bring Lee's Tokyo earnings to $75,000, but through post-Games sponsorship deals and engagements, her earnings are estimated to be much higher. According to a 2022 report from On3, Lee ranked No. 2 out of all female student-athletes with an estimated 1.5 million dollars in NIL deals. These deals include partnerships with major brands like Gatorade, Target, UNICEF, and others. Her marketability stems from her Olympic success, her relatable personality, and her strong social media presence.
With the NCAA's new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, Lee was able to monetize her fame while still in college. She launched a line of merchandise, partnered with local businesses in Auburn, and appeared in national advertisements. Her earnings helped support her family and fund her training for the Olympics. As she transitions back to elite gymnastics, her financial stability allows her to focus entirely on her performance goals.
Training and Technique
Lee's gymnastics style is characterized by exceptional technical execution, particularly on uneven bars and balance beam. She is known for her innovative release moves on bars, including a full-twisting Tkachev and a Pak salto with a half twist. Her beam routines feature a series of acrobatic elements combined with fluid dance movements. Under the guidance of coach Jess Graba, Lee has continuously upgraded her routines to remain competitive. She has also worked on improving her vault and floor exercise, adding more difficulty to her repertoire. Her training regimen includes hours of conditioning, skill work, and choreography practice, often six days a week.
Lee's mental approach to gymnastics has also evolved. She openly discusses the importance of mental health, drawing from her own experiences with anxiety and pressure. She has become an advocate for athlete well-being, emphasizing that success is not just about medals but also about enjoying the journey. This perspective has resonated with fans and fellow athletes alike.
Legacy and Impact on Diversity
As a Hmong-American athlete, Lee has broken barriers for representation in sports. The Hmong community in the United States, estimated at around 300,000 people, has rallied behind her every achievement. Her gold medal in Tokyo was a landmark moment, celebrated with parades and special events in Minnesota. She has inspired young Hmong girls to pursue gymnastics and other sports, showing that they can reach the highest levels of competition. Additionally, her success as an Asian American woman in a predominantly white sport has sparked important conversations about diversity and inclusion in gymnastics.
Looking ahead to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Lee is considered one of the favorites to win medals again. Whether she repeats as all-around champion or not, her career highlights are already extraordinary. She has proven that it is possible to excel in both elite and collegiate gymnastics, a feat few athletes have accomplished. Her story continues to inspire and captivate the world.
Source: NBC Olympics News