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Hmong American Olympic Champion Sunisa “Suni” Lee has announced her retirement from college gymnastics to focus on her “health and recovery.”
Lee, 20, shared the bittersweet news through Twitter on Monday.
“I have been dealing with a non-gymnastics health-related issue involving my kidneys,” Lee explained. “It’s been challenging to end my Auburn career early, but I am thankful for all of the love & support.”
Lee — who won gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics — is currently a sophomore at Alabama’s Auburn University. Looking back on her two years with the school’s gymnastics team, Lee shared, “Auburn, thank you for the best 2 years of my life and giving me this opportunity to make history alongside this amazing group.
The gymnast previously announced her final year with the Auburn gymnastics team in November 2022.
Late last year, Lee also expressed doubt regarding her appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
However, to the delight of fans, Lee shared her dedication to “pursuing [her] dreams for a bid to Paris in 2024.”
Despite the challenges, Lee stated that the experience “has sharpened my vision for the future.”
The Paris Olympics are expected to take place from July 26 to Aug. 11, 2024.
