“That Sucks”: Suni Lee’s Fans Upset Over Mistreatment of Gymnastics Star at Auburn University

Courage took Suni Lee to where she stands today-where winning, losing, and rising above adversity isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. From childhood battles with eczema, imposter syndrome, and two incurable kidney conditions to mental pressures, her journey wasn’t easy. It all started with itchy, uncomfortable skin that defied over-the-counter remedies. But somehow, she managed to control her eczema. Everything seemed to be perfect until she reached 19 when she accomplished something truly mind-blowing.

At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Suni Lee played a game-changing role in the team’s success. Originally not slated for the floor routine, she stepped in when Simone Biles took a break for mental health reasons. And thus scored a team-best 13.666. Then, on the uneven bars, she continued the streak of American champions by winning the Olympic all-around title. As the 2020 all-around gold medalist, she knows now what it’s like to reach the top in sports- Hardships, that have stuck with Lee ever since.

After competing in the Tokyo Games, Suni Lee looked forward to starting her freshman year at Auburn University. However, her plans took an unexpected turn. By October, she had designed her signature leotard, appeared on Dancing with the Stars, and relocated to Los Angeles. This whirlwind prevented her from experiencing the traditional college life she had envisioned. Concerns about personal security forced her to opt for virtual classes, despite finding online schooling dull.

Even simple activities like dining in the cafeteria became uncomfortable when she realized fellow students were discreetly filming her. But not only this she was even feeling isolated and unsupported by some teammates. “A lot of the girls weren’t the nicest to me,” she says. “I just really felt like an outcast, almost. They didn’t treat me that well. I just knew that I couldn’t trust them.” (She adds, “I have a couple of good, really genuine friends there,” but they are athletes in other sports.).

Lee struggled with the pressure of being expected to excel at every college event. She felt scrutinized for any imperfections. Coach Jeff Graba acknowledged, “Having someone of [Lee’s] stature and the attention that came with it was a learning experience for everyone,” says Auburn coach Jeff Graba.

Lee’s transition into college gymnastics, which she hoped would be enjoyable, instead felt daunting and judgmental. Despite these pressures, she persevered, aware of the statistical reality that many Olympic champions retire after their peak achievements. But in February 2023, during her sophomore season, Lee faced a new challenge when she woke up with swollen ankles and later discovered she had developed kidney disease.

This condition severely impacted her ability to train and ultimately led to her decision to leave Auburn and return home for medical treatment. However, now she’s better and looking for another Olympic run. However, on June 26, 2023, Quinn shared a post on X about Suni Lee’s mistreatment in college, sparking anger and heartbreak among fans.

Fans express concerns over Suni Lee’s treatment at Auburn University

Among the many fans, a few expressed their concerns on X, with one saying, “She should’ve gone to Minnesota 😭.” Well, joining Auburn to compete has been a dream for Suni Lee, one that evolved alongside her ambitions. Among her accomplishments at Auburn, she captured the NCAA championship on beam, secured runner-up in all-around, and earned four All-America honors at the national meet.

While another commented, “This makes me sad!” In a similar tone, another fan remarked, “Well, that sucks,” and yet another added, “This is sad.” However, on April 4, 2023, Suni Lee shared an update about her health and college gymnastics career. The 20-year-old took to her Instagram story to announce that she is ending her college gymnastics career at Auburn University due to a health issue. However earlier this year in January 2024, a glimmer of hope emerged when Lee received a promising call from her doctors, indicating a potential path forward toward the Paris Olympics.

As the Paris Olympics trials approach on June 27th, Suni Lee is vying for a spot on the Olympic team. However, after the U.S. Championships earlier this month, the 21-year-old wasn’t initially sure if she had qualified. “I kept asking, ‘Did I make Trials? Did I make Trials?’ And everyone was like, ‘Yeah, of course, you got the red [national team] jacket!’” Lee recalled. Looking at her journey, do you think she can make it through trials? Comment below and let us know!