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Forced to Take a Harsh Step Back, Sunisa Lee Riddled With Health Issues Receives an Unlikely Pick-Up for World Gymnastics Championships

Published 09/20/2023, 3:30 AM EDT

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Sunisa Lee is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to performing artistic gymnastics routines on the floor and clinching accolades. Though Lee took a hiatus from her beloved arena due to her kidney ailment in April 2023, she made a splash by making a comeback in competitive gymnastics at the 2023 US Core Hydration Classic. However, her health took precedence, forcing her to withdraw from the Core Classics.

Along similar lines, Lee withdrew her participation from the 2023 US Xfinity Gymnastics Championships in the wake of health concerns. Now, as she has been focusing on her well-being, her fans left no stone unturned to cheer for the gymnast. However, among her cheerers, the one stood out and took all the brownie points by asserting a rather uplifting message for Lee.

A young fan sends a cute morale-booster to Sunisa Lee

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While the initial disclosure of Lee’s condition didn’t convey its gravity, her illness has dragged on for a long time now. Suni had to prematurely end her college sporting career with Auburn Tigers back in April to focus on her recovery.

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However, six months have gone by, and her illness is still far from cured. Lee has made several attempts to get back into the contests to keep her chances alive. In fact, she also had to forfeit from the USA Gymnastics World Championships selection camp. However, a Suni Lee fan turned the grim atmosphere merry by giving a cute shout-out to the Olympian. Moved by the adorable support she received, Suni reshared the story on her Instagram.

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A young girl stood in front of a custom-made poster that said, “Determination is key. Let’s go Suni Lee.” The fan is also a gymnast like her and goes by the name Brookie B. The image also carried the caption, “With her in spirit even though she won’t be competing tonight, we love you @sunisalee.” The gentle and loyal gesture moved Sunisa Lee, who will continue her journey of healing as she prepares herself for Paris.

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In a nutshell, fans have not forgotten their star gymnast, as is evident from the story. More so, in an interview with the Olympics, Lee discussed her health condition, shedding light on her comeback journey and the challenges she faced after being diagnosed with this ailment.

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Sunisa Lee updates on her current bill of health

The gymnast admitted that due to her health concerns, she was inconsistent with her training and spent five months recovering. Lee further conceded with her insecurities and fear of not performing as per everyone’s expectations. She stated, “It’s like, ‘Oh, my gosh, now if I go out there and I don’t show them I’m better than I was at the last Olympics,’ people are gonna be like, ‘Oh, she didn’t deserve to win.” 

Talking about her health issues, Lee stated, “I have been in and out of the gym just because there’s just so many doctor’s appointments, and I’m taking a lot of medication, so it kind of varies every day.

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Sunisa Lee claimed the Olympic gold medal at the grand stage of Tokyo at the age of 18. She successfully filled a power vacuum created for the top spot when Simone Biles made her exit from Tokyo. As the Paris Olympics awaits her, the next months will be crucial for Lee as she wades her way through her health issues ahead of what could be a very promising Olympics career.    

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Written by:

Ankit Singh

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Ankit Singh is a pro writer for US Sports at Essentially Sports. This surfing enthusiast has kept his watchful eye on all things Kelly Slater. With his prior experience as a senior writer for popular blogs in the country, Ankit brings his attention to detail to the nuances of every turn, snap, 360, and alley-oop on the surfboard.
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Edited by:

Vishav