Suni Lee Fights Kidney Disease to Get Olympic® Medal
Sunisa "Suni" Lee, the all-around gold medalist from the Tokyo Olympics®, faced a shocking and unexpected health crisis following her rise to fame. What began as unexplained swelling in her body soon escalated into a diagnosis that nearly ended her gymnastics career. But Lee's resilience and determination have brought her back to the world stage at the Paris Olympics, proving that she can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
A Sudden Setback
After her surprise victory at the Tokyo Olympics, Suni Lee's life took a dramatic turn. The young gymnast, unprepared for the fame and scrutiny that followed her win, faced intense pressure from the public and her own self-doubt. However, the real challenge came when she noticed her body was swelling — a sign of the kidney disease that would soon be diagnosed. Despite the initial shock and fear, Lee was determined to continue her gymnastics career, but doctors advised her to stop training.
A Family Health Crisis
The discovery that her kidney problems were genetic came as another blow. Her family had a history of kidney issues, a fact Lee was unaware of until her diagnosis. The severity of her condition forced her to pause her gymnastics training and withdraw from college, focusing entirely on her health. The physical toll was significant; she gained weight, and her body weakened, making it difficult to maintain her previous level of performance.
A Slow Road to Recovery
In January 2024, Lee received the news she had been waiting for — her kidney condition was finally responding to treatment. Although her illness was in remission, the road back to elite gymnastics was arduous. Lee had to adopt a modified training regimen, balancing her physical limitations with the demands of her sport. She slowly rebuilt her strength and skills, but the emotional and physical strain of the process was overwhelming. Still, her determination never wavered, and she continued to push forward, driven by her love for gymnastics and the support of her coaches and family.
The Comeback
Against all odds, Lee returned to the gym in full force, determined to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Her perseverance paid off when she secured her spot on Team USA, less than six months after resuming full-time training. In Paris, Lee defied expectations once again, winning multiple medals (gold in the team all-around and bronze in both the individual all-around and uneven bars) despite her ongoing battle with kidney disease. Her story is not just one of athletic achievement, but of resilience in the face of life-altering challenges.
A New Chapter
Suni Lee's journey is a testament to her strength and determination. From a young girl who unexpectedly rose to fame, to an athlete who faced a potentially career-ending illness, Lee has shown that nothing can keep her from pursuing her dreams. As she continues to inspire others with her story, her legacy is one of courage and perseverance — qualities that will carry her far beyond the gymnastics floor.
References: Stalkers, Disease and Doubt: A Gymnast's Hard Road Back to the Games | Suni Lee wins bronze in Olympic uneven bars final with kidney disease: Everything she's said about her health
