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Plagued by Kindey Issues, Suni Lee Triumphs Despite Missing Two Events at US Classic 2024

Published 04/27/2024, 4:26 PM EDT

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Ah, she has finally returned! The Tokyo 2020 all-around Olympic champion Suni Lee, who had been grappling with kidney problems, has overcome her challenges to make her much-awaited gymnastics debut of this year. Despite encountering setbacks initially this year, including an injury that thwarted her comeback during the Winter Cup and not receiving an invitation to the April camp, luck seems to be smiling upon her now. She finds herself on the American Classic roster for April 27th.

Today, she once again dazzled audiences with a performance, undoubtedly one of the finest spectacles to behold. Draped in a shimmering pink leotard, she graced the stage by performing beautifully twisting yurchenko which scored her 13.250. It pretty much seems according to Owen on X, “SUNI QUALIFIED TO US CHAMPS WHICH MEANS SHE’LL PROB DO ALL HER HARDEST SKILLS AT US CLASSICS SINCE THOSE SCORES WON’T MATTER

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Suni exclusively performed Beam and Vault routines at the American Classic today. On the balance beam, she earned a commendable score of 14.300. Transitioning to the vault in the third rotation, Lee executed a full-twisting Yurchenko, securing a score of 13.250. Her total score of 27.550 ensures her qualification for May’s U.S. championships in two events, with the potential to petition for participation in all four apparatus.

Suni Lee’s secret to overcoming health challenges and dominating the stage again

The upcoming event, celebrating its 40th edition, will take place on May 17-18, 2024, at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut. However, Suni Lee after battling with kidney disease and making a comeback was really remarkable.

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Since last year February, Lee has been grappling with a kidney-related illness that prematurely ended her collegiate career at Auburn University and sidelined her from competing for a spot on the U.S. team at the 2023 World Championships. Her coach, Jess Graba, had previously hinted to Inside Gymnastics magazine that Lee might consider participating in the American Classic in Katy, Texas. However, the 21-year-old gymnast initially had doubts about her readiness for such an event. “I’m not entirely certain about competing in the American Classic just yet,” Lee stated. However, after her impressive performance today, Lee has revived her dream of returning to the Games. But how does she take care of her mental health throughout all of this?

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Despite Suni’s atypical lifestyle as a 21-year-old, she maintains a balanced routine to aid her training recovery and stay grounded. Time spent with her large family tops her list of priorities. Additionally, Suni enjoys activities like shopping, maintaining a healthy diet, and rejuvenating naps, listening to her body’s needs. These moments of rest not only recharge her but also foster a positive mindset and sustained motivation in the gym.

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Written by:

Maleehah Shakeel

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Maleehah Shakeel is an Olympic Sports writer at EssentiallySports who covers equestrian sports, rodeo, bull riding, and Gymnastics. Maleehah’s stories revolve around various brand endorsement deals of athletes like Jessica Springsteen, Jennifer Gates, and Olivia Dunne. She has written in depth about the brand collaboration between Jessica Springsteen and Tommy Hilfiger.
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Edited by:

Sampurna Pal