Suni Lee ruled the first round of the U.S. Classics. Lee, who was the 2020 Olympic all-around champion, and her journey to victory includes being part of champion teams at the 2019 World Championships and 2020 Summer Olympics. As the first Hmong-American Olympian and a six-time member of the U.S. women’s national gymnastics team, Lee’s accomplishments extend beyond the sport.

Despite overcoming kidney issues, her return to the beam at the U.S. Classics in Chicago, Illinois, on August 5, 2023, was nothing short of captivating. Surpassing her idol, Lee’s performance moved hearts and brought tears of joy to even her own eyes. She showcased her determination today and inspired a lot of people who want to join sports.

Suni Lee’s emotional performance captivates hearts

The Tokyo 2020 all-around champion, Lee, bared her heart in an exclusive interview with Olympics.com ahead of the U.S. Classic competition. She recently made a remarkable return after battling a kidney-related health issue in February. “I’m honestly just trying to get back out there,” Lee confessed. “I was telling Jess and the doctors, I’m probably gonna end up crying because I’m not even really supposed to be doing gymnastics right now. So, it’s just really, I guess, sentimental.”

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And true to her words, Lee’s emotions overflowed, with tears welling up after her stunning performance. A touching moment that a fan captured, symbolizing the emotional rollercoaster Lee endured today. In the U.S. Classics, Lee defied all odds, shattering records with a remarkable score of 14.5, currently leading the competition and even surpassing her idol, Simone Biles.

Suni Lee recalled the time before her health issues surfaced, reminiscing about her peak physical condition and the excitement of discovering new skills and combinations. Unfortunately, her dreams were temporarily derailed by the kidney-related ailment, forcing her to cut short her sophomore season at Auburn University and face a grueling five-month journey of recovery and training.

As a three-time Olympic medalist, she faced the challenge of finding a consistent rhythm in her training, battling through the hurdles to reclaim her former strength. This talented 20-year-old gymnastics icon even qualified for future meets. While she is touching great heights at such a young age, her journey to this point hasn’t exactly been a bed of roses.

Lee has been a victim of racial prejudice

On April 4, 2023, Suni Lee made a brave decision. She announced that she would temporarily step away from gymnastics to focus on her health. Lee is battling a kidney illness, unrelated to her gymnastics career, although she didn’t specify the exact type. This health issue, she emphasized, is not connected to her sport. Despite her struggles, she has achieved remarkable feats. However, her journey has been marred by discrimination. In a troubling incident in November 2021, she faced racial prejudice, enduring a pepper-spraying incident while in Los Angeles for Dancing with the Stars.

When, Where and How to Watch Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas and Sunisa Lee at US Classics 2023

In January 2022, she had to confront derogatory comments from her own Hmong-American community regarding her interracial relationship. Despite these hardships, Suni Lee has achieved numerous accolades in gymnastics. Hence it’s natural that after the U.S. Classics performance, Lee couldn’t hold back her tears of joy. She for now have being taken out by the competition because of her health issues, but that doesn’t mean she is not qualified for the nationals.

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