With Own Body Turned Against Her, Sunisa Lee Drops a Concerning Update Days Before National Championships

Sunisa Lee is the reigning Olympic all-around champion. However, of late, the crown has become too heavy for the 20-year-old gymnast. She inspired hope with her announcement to chase Olympic glory yet again in 2024. However, given her health problems, Lee had to make a difficult decision before the U.S. National Championships.

Her kidney problems are slowly on the mend, but it is still continuing to affect her prospects in the sport. Sunisa Lee had to give up on her dreams of winning the all-around title for America due to her ongoing health concerns.

Health challenges force Sunisa Lee to curtail bold ambition

Sunisa Lee was aware of the expectations of her country and the pressure to perform at the highest level. Ahead of her first elite gymnastics competition in the U.S. Classics, the legendary athlete was worried that she would not be able to perform at her best due to health challenges. But she performed a flawless routine in the US Core Hydration Classic. This bolstered the fans? hope that Sunisa Lee had made a complete recovery and would be returning to the Nationals in full force. However, Lee has decided to limit herself to the beam and vault events. A Twitter user named ?loco4worlds? addressed their disappointment in an X post, saying, ?Suni not doing AA and therefore will most likely not be added to national team until later?.

Her coach explained the strategy behind such a decision. Renowned gymnastic coach Jess Graba said that Sunisa Lee is taking time ?to get herself back into the swing of these long competitions?. The champion gymnast herself said, ?I’m taking it slow, one day at a time?. Lee revealed that despite taking medicines, she is still far from a full recovery and did not want to push her body to its limits. She has consciously made the decision to limit the number of events she participates in so that her chances of winning another Olympic medal are not compromised. Coach Graba has revealed her plans for Lee’s gradual return to competition, stating that they are making upgrades to her routine.

Navigating health challenges amid Olympic ambitions

Jess Graba is uncertain about her approach to Sunisa Lee’s training. The coach has modified her beam routine and the vault to accommodate her body’s needs. On the days when Lee feels good, Graba puts her through motion, making her work at full strength. However, when the gymnastics pro does not feel too good, the coach makes her practice light moves.

Read More: Compelled to Halt Her Career Due to Kidney Issues Sunisa Lee Shares a Heart-Felt Message Post Her Comeback

Despite her health problems, Suni Lee has not lost her spirits. After her stellar performance at the U.S. Classics, she was feeling very emotional. Now she has a bigger challenge before her on the road to Paris, and she needs to earn a qualifying score in the two limited events in the Trials. She needs to earn a spot among the 6 member U.S. delegation for Antwerp to stay on track for Paris.

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