Suni Lee Admits to Feeling the Pressure to Deliver at College Events as an ‘Olympic Champion’- “Exactly How I Think”

Published 01/22/2022, 10:00 AM EST

Suni Lee was just 18 when she won her first-ever Olympic gold medal at her maiden mega-quadrennial games at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Since then, the young gymnastics star has become a global celebrity.

To no surprise, her celebrity status has traveled everywhere with her, even to her college. Understandably, while there are perks to being in the spotlight, there are some drawbacks too.

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Suni Lee on the underlying pressure of being an Olympian

When the US gymnastics GOAT, Simone Biles, stepped out of the mat, citing mental health issues, Suni Lee took over and remarkably clinched the gold medal, defending USA’s title.

After producing an incredible performance at the highest sporting level, Suni has now set the bar high for herself. However, with exceeding expectations, she now finds herself under immense pressure, having to strive for perfection and nothing less.

A supportive fan tweeted saying, ”I can’t imagine the pressure for perfection that Suni feels. I know in her position my mind would be stuck on “how can i be olympic aa champ if i can’t do THIS I’m a fraud”. I really REALLY hope that’s not how she feels, bc FALSE, but this is how my anxiety would do it.”

Replying and admitting to the harsh reality, Lee replied saying, ”exactly how i think”

exactly how i think
— Sunisa lee (@sunisalee_) January 22, 2022

Young Olympians struggling with mental health

The Olympic history has seen the likes of Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps consistently dominate the games for decades. Hence, the world has now started expecting the same from young Olympians like Suni Lee and Chloe Kim.

While they have extraordinary talent, just like every Olympian who reached that level, at the end of the day, they are still humans. And, in an unpredictable world of sports, one can be a champion today but be outclassed by a newcomer tomorrow. This in no way reduces their capability, their potential, or their stature.

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Do you think the pressure to perform can take away the joy of sports from athletes like Suni Lee?

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Written by:

Shreya Verma is a US Sports writer at EssentiallySports. A post-graduation student in political science, Shreya is also a professional 10m air pistol shooter. Taking after her athlete father, she was naturally inclined towards the athletic life.

Suni Lee Admits to Feeling the Pressure to Deliver at College Events as an ‘Olympic Champion’- “Exactly How I Think”

Suni Lee on the underlying pressure of being an Olympian

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Young Olympians struggling with mental health