Suni Lee and the Olympics are like a match made in gymnastics heaven. A tale so epic, we can’t seem to get enough. When Simone Biles withdrew from the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games, the gymnast filled in for her compatriot and friend. She claimed a silver medal in the team event and a bronze medal in the uneven bars. But wait, there’s more. Rising through the pressures of not having the G.O.A.T. by her side, she proved her mettle and raised the bar higher than ever.
The Olympian became the first Asian American to win the coveted gold medal in the women’s all-around event. However, her incredible journey took a drastic turn when an unfortunate incident momentarily overshadowed her achievements. In 2023, she revealed that she was battling two incurable kidney diseases, which initially left her unable to perform basic tasks like walking up the stairs. Undeterred, she made a triumphant comeback and set off for her second berth in the French capital. So, who helped her overcome these adversities?
Suni Lee leaned on Simone Biles during an extremely tough time
Lee might be a 6x Olympic medalist, but she’s also a regular young adult like most of us. Even though she worked her way back to the top, gaining her confidence back wasn’t as easy, and it showed. But the G.O.A.T. helped make that transition a lot smoother for her. When asked what she thinks about Simone Biles, the gymnast couldn’t help but sing her praises. “I mean, I’ve looked up to her for as long as I can remember, since I’ve been doing gymnastics, elite gymnastics especially, and it’s just really cool to see that she’s as good a person as she is an athlete,” she told People Magazine.
The most decorated gymnast has always been by Suni Lee’s side. During a crucial moment at the national championships, the 21-year-old wasn’t happy about her vault landing not going as planned. But the 11x Olympic gold medalist knew that feeling all too well, didn’t she? 2020 has left an indelible mark on the athlete, and she didn’t want the Tokyo all-around gold medalist to succumb to the pressure as she did. So the 27-year-old helped her push past all the noise.
In fact, when it was time for the uneven bars, Biles stood on the sidelines, letting her know that she’s got this. So, if the G.O.A.T. believed she could do this, why question it, right? Lee went on to crush the routine and confidently received a high-five from the greatest gymnast of all time. Was their time in Paris just as rewarding? “Having her on the floor and just even get to compete alongside her has been such a dream,” the gymnast revealed about their time in Paris.
Suni Lee stepped into the French capital as the reigning Olympic all-around gold medalist. However, is that the message she sent across? Not according to her teammates. “They were like, ‘No, you need to walk in and act like you are the reigning Olympic champion, because you look scared,’” she admitted. Simone Biles confessed this was going to be their redemption tour. Yet, the 21-year-old couldn’t shrug off the nerves. Maybe a gentle push from the rest of the Final Five was all she needed. However, the gymnast almost didn’t make it to Paris. What could’ve happened?
The gymnast nearly missed out on a second shot at Olympic gloryIn 2023, many believed we had seen the last of the Olympian. If the Tokyo Summer Games were her last hurrah, it would’ve been an ideal way to bid adieu to the mat. However, the 21-year-old wanted to give the Olympics another shot, refusing to let go of her dreams. Even though getting out of bed most days was challenging, she pushed herself to work towards that goal. It took a while, but she finally made her much-anticipated comeback and shifted her focus to the U.S. Olympic Trials. Yet, the rise to the top wasn’t as easy.
Suni Lee made several adjustments to her training and routines to secure her place in Paris. But things took an unexpected turn. Nearly a week before the Olympic Trials, the gymnast experienced a relapse and required an infusion. Managing two kidney diseases was a taxing process, often leaving her fatigued and unwell, and it even affected her confidence. Still, before the setback, the 21-year-old was determined and ready to take on the challenge.
After snagging 3 Olympic medals, she stunned everyone with a dazzling performance during the floor finals in Bercy Arena. Yet, the gymnast unknowingly rekindled retirement rumors when many fans caught her muttering this would be her last one ever. She further sent fans into overdrive when the 21-year-old reposted a video stating the same on social media. Was the Paris Summer Games her final appearance on the world’s biggest stage? That might not be the case.
Suni Lee left her humble abode and recently moved to New York. Her plan? To focus on finding out who she is outside of gymnastics. As for Paris? One of the many reasons she wanted to prove to herself and to the naysayers that she had what it takes. However, she doesn’t want to focus on the next steps since the Olympics just got done. While it is highly likely for the 6x Olympian to return to LA, we won’t know for quite some time. What do you think about her friendship with the most decorated gymnast?
