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“Just Wanted to Get Back Out”: Making a Successful Return Despite Kidney Issues, Sunisa Lee Breaks Silence on the Mental Toll of Her Comeback

Published 08/11/2023, 7:16 AM EDT

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Sunisa Lee prominently stood out in the recently concluded US Core Hydration Classics. Lee’s impressive 14.5 scores in the 2023 U.S. Classics Senior women’s first round marked a significant feat. Notably, she surpassed even the renowned gymnastics GOAT Simone Biles

However, her recent feat in Chicago on 5 August attested to her readiness for challenges. Despite not competing in all events, she qualified for the forthcoming championship later this month. Her journey now leads to the Paris Olympics. How will Lee’s determination shape her path as she aims for glory on the global stage once more?

Sunisa Lee is back in the gym and is aiming for Paris 2024

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Just Women’s Sport’s recent coverage delved into the evolving journey of Sunisa Lee. She broke her silence in the report regarding her health and said, “I’m not worrying about winning or placing or anything. I just wanted to get back out here”. The Core Hydration Classics marked a significant step for Lee, alongside Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles, all aiming for the 2024 Olympics. This event served as a qualifier for the U.S. Championships in San Jose, with top gymnasts advancing to a selection camp for the world championship team in Belgium. 

via Getty

Prior to the U.S. Classics, Lee expressed a shift in mindset, stating, “I’m not gonna be the perfectionist that I was before”. She acknowledged the pressure but emphasized her current capabilities. On the competition grounds, Suni Lee was warmly welcomed by teammate Jordan Chiles, symbolizing their camaraderie. Amidst her journey back to the sport, Lee’s resilience shines as she prepares for future endeavors, having overcome challenges, including a kidney issue.

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Lee adjusted her training regimen due to her kidney condition

While Sunisa Lee grappled with her kidney condition under medical guidance, her training regimen underwent adjustments. The gymnast recounted facing swollen fingers that hindered her grips for uneven bars due to her condition. She described her modified routine: “I am still kind of in and out of the gym. I don’t train as much as I used to”.

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On days she felt strong, Lee seized the opportunity to push herself, while at other times, she focused on basics and essential elements. Despite setbacks, Sunisa Lee maintained her determination for the Paris Olympics, aiming to showcase new skills and combinations she had envisioned. She expressed her aspiration to recapture her past performance level, driven by the belief in her abilities. 

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During podium training, Lee’s unwavering focus was evident as she practiced beam, vault, and uneven bars routines. The priority lay not in garnering attention for new skills but in demonstrating her progress in the gymnastics world, reinforcing her commitment to the path to excellence.

Watch This Story: Simone Biles Made a Heartwarming Gesture to Suni Lee’s Dad

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Written by:

Gincy Abraham

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Gincy Abraham, an accomplished sports news writer at EssentiallySports, has a profound passion for surfing and a talent for covering the latest developments in sports. With expertise in Olympic news, Gincy captures the essence of the global sporting event. With a bachelor's degree in journalism and years of experience as a news reporter, Gincy is always in pursuit to deliver accurate content religiously.
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Edited by:

Purva Jain