An almost career-ending disease. A triumphant comeback. 3 Olympic medals. That’s pretty much been Suni Lee‘s life so far. After ending her collegiate career in 2023, the gymnast had difficulty returning from it. The swelling, the guilt, and the inability to do basic activities weighed heavily on her. However, undeterred, she fought the uphill battle and came out stronger than ever. The 21-year-old had already claimed the title of being an Olympian. She recently had been bestowed with something just as monumental. 

The gymnast was recently bestowed with the honor of being one of eight Glamour magazine’s Women of the Year for 2024. In an October 17 interview with Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton, the host asked her what this honor means to her. “I mean, I was over. It’s just such an honor, especially to be named with such amazing women,” the 21-year-old added. She isn’t the only Olympian on the list. Alongside the gymnasts are Allyson Felix and Serena Williams. Other women on the list include Taraji P. Henson, Pamela Anderson, The Moms, Sydney Sweeney, Hadley Duvall, and Kaitlyn Joshua. 

Suni Lee continued, “I mean, especially going to the actual award show and seeing everyone, I was just in awe.” The gymnast attended the 2024 Glamour magazine Women of the Year gala on October 8 along with the other honorees and stars. “I just can’t believe that I am able to be in the same room as some of these people just because I never thought I would ever be,” she confessed. 

However, looking back on how things have been, she’s content. “But yeah, it’s been a crazy couple months, and I’m so grateful and blessed to be here,” the Olympian exclaimed. In fact, she’s already making moves since Paris. Speaking to Glamour magazine’s Lea Winkler, the gymnast mentioned how she’s moving from Minnesota to the Big Apple. Lee sat in front of U-Haul boxes while admitting on a Zoom call how she was scared because she didn’t know anybody in New York. 

“I’m very shy and I don’t like to talk to new people, because I get really nervous and awkward and then I get anxiety,” Suni Lee confessed. Even though she hadn’t signed the lease on the new apartment, the 21-year-old was excited about switching from a life of gymnastics to something new. The plan was to create a strong social media presence through beauty and fashion campaigns. And she’d already done that by attending the New York Fashion Week and the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. But what was the Glamour magazine gala like for the Olympian? 

Suni Lee fangirled over Beyoncé like the rest of us

After speaking about the incredible honor, the conversation shifted to the gala itself. Suni Lee rubbed shoulders with singer and songwriter Demi Lovato. But the crème de la crème of the evening was when she was in the same room as Queen Bey herself! The gymnast first spotted her from the other side of the room and couldn’t wait to go greet her. 

“I wanted to say hi to her, but everybody was crowding her. So I felt bad. So I stayed behind,” she confessed. But Suni Lee forgets that she’s just as impressive, with 6 Olympic medals to her name. Beyoncé had previously introduced Team USA in a short video leading up to the Paris Olympics. So when she spotted the 21-year-old, Queen B made her way to the gymnast. “She ran up to me. And I was like, ‘Wait, is this real life?'” We would have the same reaction too! 

The Olympian was still in disbelief over how Queen B knew of her. “We had a real conversation. I mean, she was saying that and her kids watched us at the Olympics.” The duo even shared a brief hug, and the gymnast shared an image of their encounter on her Instagram story. We don’t blame her for “kind of freaking out.” 

Suni Lee and Beyoncé spoke for a bit before calling a night. However, Glamour shared their interaction on X, and the gymnast couldn’t help but exclaim, “U guyyssss I cannot breathe stop” What a year it has been for the 6x Olympic medalist. But with the big move to a different city, we might just get to a few more exciting things coming our way. Are you excited?