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.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
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.
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.
Getty
TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 01: Bronze Medalist Sunisa Lee of Team United States poses with her medal on the podium during the Women’s Uneven Bars Final medal ceremony on day nine of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on August 01, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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.
Getty
TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 29: Sunisa Lee of Team United States competes in the floor exercise during the Women’s All-Around Final on day six of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on July 29, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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.
Do you think the pressure to perform can take away the joy of sports from athletes like Suni Lee?
