Fighting Racism & Kidney Ailment - Gymnast Sunisa Lee's Victorious Journey To Olympics

American gymnast Sunisa Lee won the bronze medal in the all-around gymnastics individual event at the Paris Games 2024 on August 1. She also won a gold medal in the team event with Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera. The 21-year-old's gold medal triumph in Tokyo 2020 solidified her status as an athletic sensation, especially since she made history as the first Asian-American gymnast to win a medal at the Olympics. Lee's journey in gymnastics, conquering numerous challenges, is a reflection of her consistent hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport.

Who Is 'Suni' Lee?

Lee, who was born to Laotian immigrants, has a deep understanding of the immigrant experience, which centres on seeking the American Dream in a backdrop of cultural heritage and identity. Her rise to Olympic glory represents more than just her physical talent; it also represents the success of inclusivity and diversity on the international stage.

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Lee's journey in gymnastics began at a young age, fueled by her passion and natural talent. Hailing from Saint Paul, Minnesota, she showed promise early on, catching the attention of coaches and fellow gymnasts with her agility and skill. With continuous dedication, she honed her craft, spending countless hours in the gym perfecting her routines and mastering difficult manoeuvres.

When faced with the daunting challenge of not having access to proper gymnastics equipment, her father, John Lee, displayed remarkable ingenuity by crafting a homemade beam from mattresses. Tragically, John Lee's life was forever altered when he was paralysed in August 2019. Yet, despite his own struggles, he remained a pillar of strength and support for his daughter, cheering her on from the sidelines as she competed on the world stage.

Experiences With Racism

Lee has experienced harsh circumstances as a first-generation immigrant woman. When the news of the tragic death of George Floyd echoed across the United States, igniting protests and sparking a nationwide conversation about systemic injustice and racial inequality.  Lee and her family, who live in Minnesota, experienced unforeseen terror and uncertainty following Floyd's death.

As protests erupted and unrest unfolded, Hmong American businesses became targets, and homes, including those in Lee's neighbourhood, fell victim to vandalism and burglary. Lee remained firm in her resolve to rise above the hate and bigotry. Speaking to Elle magazine, she expressed her desire to make the Hmong community more visible and to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions that surround them. Despite the setbacks, Lee remained determined to represent her heritage proudly on the world stage.

A Triumph on the Olympic Stage

When gymnastics champion Simone Biles withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics, citing mental health concerns, the weight of expectation fell squarely on Sunisa Lee's shoulders. Faced with the daunting prospect of leading her team to victory, Lee rose to the occasion with grace and poise, delivering performances that captivated the world and cemented her status as a gymnastics icon.

With nerves of steel and flawless execution, Lee delivered awe-inspiring performances on the vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise, showcasing her versatility and prowess as an all-around gymnast. From overcoming injuries to facing fierce competition, Lee showed resilience at every step of the way, with her focus firm and mental fortitude propelled to victory, resulting in a gold medal in the women's all-around competition, a moment that will be remembered in gymnastics history.

Health Barriers, Redemption

Lee has also faced setbacks due to issues with her health. In 2023, she was diagnosed with a kidney disorder that caused her to experience swelling in her eyes and ankles. She also experienced sudden weight gain. Speaking to USA Today, the gymnast revealed that she gained over 40 pounds than her normal weight, making it difficult for her to fit into her clothes

She told the outlet, "It felt as though every morning I woke up with more swelling. My fingers were so puffed up that they wouldn’t fit into my grips, making it impossible to hold on to the bar.” While these symptoms were initially attributed to an allergic reaction, she was later diagnosed with a condition that affects her kidneys. However, Sunisa Lee has not disclosed the name of the illness.

In April 2023, Lee made the courageous decision to step away from her collegiate gymnastics career at Auburn University. This choice was not driven by a lack of passion or dedication but by a pressing health concern that demanded her attention and focus. This setback not only sidelined her from Team USA's World Championships and Pan Am Games selection camp but also tested her resolve in ways she had never imagined.

Lee's uncle, a Hmong shaman, offered herbal treatments that not only treated her medical ailments but also functioned as a powerful symbol of cultural strength. By mid-2024, she made a significant recovery, reinstalling her confidence in the sport. She returned to competitive gymnastics at the U.S. Championships in June 2024, where she competed with modified routines. 

For Lee, the journey back to the mat was not merely physical but also an arduous mental battle. Confronted with the stark reality of her condition, she grappled with a torrent of emotions—fear, frustration, and despair. The inability to practice, coupled with the physical toll of her illness, plunged her into a period of profound introspection. The weight gain caused by her illness only added to her distress, yet Lee refused to succumb to despair. Instead, she turned to therapy as a means of navigating the turmoil of uncertainty and fear. 

Paris Games 2024

For Lee, the road to the Paris Olympics 2024 has been marked by adversity and triumph. Overcoming a challenging several months marred by health concerns, Lee's resilience and fortitude have been nothing short of remarkable. What a redemption story Sunisa Lee has had!

Lee is also eyeing a creative gymnastics move to be named after her. 'The Lee', which is known as a Jagger in gymnastics jargon, is one of the most difficult elements in women’s uneven bars; It consists of a 360-degree swing with a straight body on the high bar and a release into a front flip before catching the high bar again. The American athlete has been able to nail the complicated skill.