“being emotional but sitting in my apt thinking about everything I’ve been through this year and I am SO PROUD OF MYSELF for never giving up🥺.” These heartfelt words appeared as the caption of Suni Lee’s Instagram post in November last year. Powerful, right? But what made her feel the need to share such a raw and emotional message? What was she trying to convey?

To understand, we have to rewind a few months. In August, Suni achieved something phenomenal—something that went far beyond medals and routines. She conquered not only the challenges on the gymnastics mat but also the relentless battles on her mental and physical front. And now, she opened up about it all—sharing the struggles, the triumphs, and the unshakable resilience that kept her going. 

Who would’ve thought we’d see Suni Lee gearing up for the Paris Olympics—especially after the storm she braved in 2023? Probably not many. And maybe not even Suni herself. After February 2023, the Olympic champion found herself facing two massive, gut-wrenching hurdles. The first was a mysterious kidney disease that left even the best doctors scratching their heads. Test after test brought no straightforward answers, only more questions. In her recent interaction with Women’s Health on March 24, Suni unearthed a few things from her memory regarding those gloomy days. But before that, how is her life going on post-Paris?

For the first time in her life, the Olympic gold medalist is allowing herself to step away from the relentless pursuit of perfection and simply be.  “These days, I’m taking some time for myself, without the pressure of a huge goal, for the first time in my life,” Suni shared. “I’m exploring new passions, like fashion and acting, and having fun with the unknown right now.” It’s a rare but welcome shift for the 22-year-old, who has spent most of her life under the intense glare of competition lights. Yet, even as she explores new creative outlets, gymnastics still tugs at her heart. After a year of self-discovery, she’s ready to return to the sport she loves. But this time, she’s coming back with a new mindset—and more strength than ever. How? 

Reflecting on her current mindset, Suni Lee further shared a powerful revelation: “I have learned through the high highs and low lows that I will never be the Suni I was before—because I am a stronger Suni than I ever thought I could be. When it comes to your health, it is so important to advocate for yourself, to use your voice even when it is shaking.” Her words carry the weight of experience—from her Olympic triumph to the personal battles she’s faced along the way. And now, with a renewed spirit and a stronger sense of self, Suni Lee is ready to soar once again, but differently. But before that, what has she been battling with before Paris?

“I woke up one morning, and my face and body were completely swollen. I didn’t even recognize myself in the mirror.” For Suni, that morning in 2023 was the beginning of a terrifying, unexplained battle. The Olympic champion—known for her graceful power on the uneven bars—suddenly couldn’t even lift herself onto them. Her strength was gone. Her coaches were baffled. And so was she. “It was really scary because I didn’t know what was going on—and neither did anyone else. I felt so lonely,” she admitted. With no answers in sight, the Olympian made the crushing decision to leave college gymnastics and move back home to Minnesota, unsure if she’d ever compete again. From there, her story started to take a different turn, something that she had never expected. 

When Suni Lee first saw a doctor, the diagnosis was almost laughable: allergies. But deep down, she knew better. “I had gained 8 pounds overnight. The swelling in my body was something I had never experienced,” she recalled. Her instincts were spot on. What she was facing was far more serious—and far more unpredictable—than a simple allergic reaction. Thankfully, after consulting new doctors, she finally got some answers. With a clearer understanding of her kidney disease, the fog of uncertainty began to lift. But it wasn’t just the physical struggle that weighed on her—it was the mental battle. The relentless cycle of illness and confusion had chipped away at her spirit. Then, something shifted. Support poured in.

Encouraging messages from fans. Compassion from fellow athletes. The unwavering presence of the Olympian’s loved ones. Slowly but surely, the loneliness began to fade, and with it, so did the self-doubt. But make no mistake—2023 was still brutal. There were moments when Suni genuinely believed she’d never see herself on the mat again. Yet, against all odds, she not only returned—she shattered expectations. In Paris, she didn’t just show up—she dominated, claiming three Olympic medals and making history by becoming the first American gymnast to win consecutive individual medals on the uneven bars. And now again, it seems Suni Lee is making a comeback in her sport.

Suni Lee shows up at the sidelines and in the gym 

After her dazzling run at the Paris Olympics, Suni Lee took a well-deserved break from gymnastics. During her time away, the six-time Olympic medalist was frequently spotted at various off-mat events—dabbling in fashion, exploring, acting, and embracing the freedom to simply be. But now? It seems the break is over.

Lee’s recent activities have sparked a wave of excitement among fans, hinting that a comeback may be closer than anyone expected. On March 15, she shared a post on social media showing her back in the gym—attempting a Yeager release move for the first time since Paris. The footage of Lee soaring through the air, flipping with precision, instantly sent the gymnastics world into a frenzy. For fans, it was more than just a training clip—it was a promise of something bigger.

Then, just a week later, on March 22, Suni was spotted at the highly anticipated Auburn vs. LSU Tigers gymnastics match. Her presence at the event didn’t go unnoticed, fueling further speculation. Was she simply a spectator, or was she subtly signaling her return to competitive gymnastics?

One thing is certain: Suni Lee’s recent moves have reignited hope. The glimpses of her back in the gym—and back in the gymnastics spotlight—have fans eagerly waiting for what’s next. And if these hints are anything to go by, her return could be nothing short of spectacular.