via Getty
TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 03: Sunisa Lee and Simone Biles of Team United States look on during warm-ups prior to the Women’s Balance Beam Final on day eleven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on August 03, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
via Getty
TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 03: Sunisa Lee and Simone Biles of Team United States look on during warm-ups prior to the Women’s Balance Beam Final on day eleven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on August 03, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Reigning Olympic gymnastics all-around champion Suni Lee is steadily moving forward in her journey to reclaim her prowess. The 21-year-old athlete is pushing herself to master the double-twisting Yurchenko, aiming for a standout performance at the upcoming Olympics event. Notably, in her triumph in Tokyo, Lee has faced formidable challenges after that including a year-long struggle with kidney-related health issues. Nevertheless, as she makes her comeback, Lee recently took the spotlight during a featured media day in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In a recent feature by USA Today, Team USA gymnasts took center stage as they discussed their journey toward the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Suni Lee, Kayla DiCello, Evita Griskenas, Yul Moldauer, and Brody Malone graced the audience in an interview at studio A1. They shared their aspirations for the upcoming event. However, the spotlight truly shone when Suni was prompted to share her thoughts on Simone Biles.
Simone Biles’ influence on Suni Lee’s journey
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In her interview, Suni Lee conveyed her excitement, she said that she’s really looking forward to Paris 2024. She feels this time around, it feels more like a personal challenge, something she needs to prove to herself. Over the past few years, she’s undergone significant growth. As she further puts it, “I have like the pressure of being like the Olympic champion “, but she’s genuinely eager to make her comeback
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When the host further asked, “What did you think when Simone kind of raised your hand and said, ‘I think I’m coming back’?“, she was referring to when Simone Biles took a break from gymnastics in 2021 due to twisties and came back in 2023 with full energy and swag. Nonetheless, Suni Lee responded, “I was excited. I mean, she’s incredible. She’s someone that I continuously look up to. So to see her back up there being even better than ever is amazing.” Lee’s perspective drives home the heart of true athleticism, pushing through obstacles and emerging stronger.
After her triumph at Tokyo, Lee faced a significant hiatus from elite gymnastics, grappling with a kidney-related health issue that caused severe swelling, making it difficult for her to even grip equipment with her fingers. However, recent updates shed light on her progress. In an interview with Olympics.com earlier this year, Lee revealed that her condition is now under control, marking a positive turn for her competitive journey. Alongside her coach, Jess Graba, Lee expressed optimism for the upcoming season, indicating a readiness to return to routines and competitions.
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Despite her setback, Lee’s determination remains unwavering. She disclosed her remission status, stating, “I’ve just been getting it under control and starting to work up into routines and getting ready for the season.” Coach Graba echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of patience as they pave the way for her return. While Lee initially aimed to show her skills at the Winter Cup, her plans were momentarily derailed by an injury just before the event. It will surely be interesting to see her in Paris in 2024.
