Sunisa Lee: "I will not stop pursuing my dreams for a bid to Paris in 2024"
The Olympic all-around champion reveals she's been dealing with a kidney-related health issue which kept her out of NCAA competition.
Artistic Gymnastics
Reigning Olympic gymnastics all-around champion Sunisa Lee said on Monday (3 April) that she remains focused on Paris 2024 despite kidney problems.
“I have been dealing with a non-gymnastics health related issue involving my kidneys,” the Tokyo 2020 gold medallist wrote in a post on social media.
Lee, 20, missed the last several competitions of her sophomore year as a member of the Auburn University women’s gymnastics team. She announced prior to the start of the 2023 season that it would be her last at Auburn.
“For my safety, the medical team did not clear me to train and compete over the last few weeks. I am blessed and thankful to be working with the best specialized medical team to treat and manage my diagnosis,” wrote Lee. “My focus at this time is my health and recovery.
“It's been challenging to end my Auburn career early, but I am thankful for all of the love & support. I will not stop pursuing my dreams for a bid to Paris in 2024. In fact, this experience has sharpened my vision for the future. I appreciate all the love and support, and I want to especially thank my doctors, coaches, and the Auburn medical staff for their care during this time.”
The next major U.S. gymnastics competition is the U.S. Classic, scheduled for 5 August in Chicago. The U.S. Championships are three weeks later in San Jose, California.