Sunisa LEE

United States of America

Artistic Gymnastics

Olympic Medals

2G

1S

3B

Games Participations2

First Olympic GamesTokyo 2020

Year of Birth2003

Social Media

Biography

Sunisa Lee started her gymnastics journey at her home in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. As a lively child, she was always moving and tumbling around, which led her father to build a wooden balance beam in the backyard to help her focus her energy. At six, she began her formal gymnastics training at Midwest Gymnastics Centre in Little Canada, Minnesota.

Sunisa Lee: Early years and immediate gymnastic success

The young Lee's daily routine was marked by unwavering dedication, as she would spend eight to twelve hours in gymnastics training or schoolwork. Despite the relatively late start in the discipline, Sunisa stood out in the USA Gymnastics Women's Development Program.

At just seven, the young American triumphed in an all-around competition at a state meet for only her second-ever competition. The following year, she advanced through three different age group levels. When she turned 11, she qualified for the elite program, which made her eligible to represent the United States in international competitions.

She earned a spot on the U.S. Junior National Team at 14, and her career continued to soar from there. She debuted on the international senior stage at the 2019 City of Jesolo Trophy in Italy, where she won the all-around title and helped the USA team win gold. She collected a full set of medals in the FIG World Championships the same year - Gold in the team event, silver on floor, and bronze on uneven bars.

During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 2021**,** her prowess shone brightly as a key member of the American gymnastics team alongside fellow star Simone Biles. Lee made history as the first Asian American woman to win the gold medal in the women's all-around event. She also won a bronze medal on the uneven bars and a silver medal in the team event.

After dazzling the world in Japan, Sunisa Lee embraced collegiate gymnastics and pursued her studies at Auburn University. Her time with the Auburn Tigers team proved successful, with Lee earning titles as the NCAA beam champion and SEC uneven bars champion.

Sunisa Lee: Navigating serious health challenges and career hiatus

In February 2023, Lee woke up to swollen ankles, initially brushed off as a consequence of intense training. Concerns grew as the swelling persisted, reaching her face, legs, and hands.

"I just kept getting more swollen, and I think I gained, like, 40 pounds," Lee recounted to Self Magazine. The issue was traced to a non-gymnastics health-related problem involving her kidneys, which prompted her doctors to advise against training and competing.

On April 3 2023, Lee announced the premature end of her sophomore season, citing health concerns. Despite returning to training, she faced subsequent withdrawals from major competitions, including the World Championships and the Pan American Games.

"It was a very difficult decision, but my health is more important, and I’m not in the best shape right now," Lee explained.

Navigating the intricate landscape of health challenges and fueled by her aspiration to defend her Olympic gold medal in Paris 2024, she faces a pivotal juncture. The path involves participating in the U.S. Olympic trials in her home state of Minnesota scheduled for June 2024. However, her resolve remains unwavering in prioritizing well-being.

"I’m not trying to think too far ahead because that can just add a lot of unwanted pressure and stress," she shared with Olympics.com.