The Truth About Olympic Gymnast Suni Lee

Sunisa "Suni" Lee has accomplished a lot in her 18 years. The Minnesota native and member of the Hmong community won the all-around gymnastics gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games, becoming the first Asian-American woman to do so, and also won the bronze for the uneven bars. Lee's journey to the Olympics began at a very young age, when she joined the Midwest Gymnastics Center at age 6 — a facility she still uses for training. Lee has also had to deal with plenty of ups and downs in her path to Tokyo, including losing family members to COVID-19. This is the truth about Olympic gymnast Suni Lee.

#Olympics #SuniLee #Covid19

Hmong-American pioneer | 0:00
First love | 0:48
Paying the cost | 1:48
Her biggest fan | 2:53
A terrible injury | 3:44
COVID-19's heavy toll | 4:56
Mental toughness | 5:53
Surprised to beat Simone | 7:13
Sunisa and Simone | 8:23
On the uneven bars | 9:07
On to Auburn | 10:16

[TheList]

Congratulations to Suni Lee for taking home the gold!

[rpach]

She's been competing at this level for years. It's good to see her being recognized for all the work she has put into her skill. Truly a gold medal olympian.

[_RoseDawson_]

The fact that she fulfilled her promise to go to that University where the brother of her former coach is coaching, tells a lot about her as a person.
She has integrity and humility.
She knows how to look back to her roots and not take them for granted.

[billgigolo]

The hmong people around the world are extremely proud of Sunisa Lee achievements

[vitravaah]

Suni Lee gave the hmong race the world recognition that we have not had and we are so proud of her. She is a hmong Olympian and she will go down in history as the greatest hmong Olympian ever.

[tastx]

So happy for Suni to overcome the difficult year and still stay competitive. One of the most humble athletes who is a fantastic role model!

[kathyf.]

She is amazing! As is her family and community.

[katherine]

In the early 80s, I was in Thailand working with Hmong refugees from Laos and Cambodia. I learned so much from them, and believe I became a better person for it. I used all the salary I received from our sponsor to buy Hmong embroideries and so much more. Watching their care of children, teaching children to watch younger children was really meaningful for me...it was brilliant. The older women who sat closely to each other, continuously embroidering was a lesson in chilling out...and who needs to chill out in the refugee camp more than the health care providers. So, it was a THRILL so see this young girl and her family.

[EcuaLA]

Where to start.

As a 59 year old man, I've seen the Olympics (Munich) at 10 years old.

So, that's 49 years of observing superior Olympic athletes. Every era has their extraordinary athletes, moments and back stories.

But, Miss Suni Lee has created a completely separate category of excellence. Her level of confidence, skill and execution is off the charts. Even for an Olympian.

She nails ALL of her dismounts dead on. With, pure confidence. And that is not a small word.

I congratulate her family for believing in her dreams as their own. For not hounding her to become just an accountant, a nurse, or even a lawyer. Because it's clear that she has the intelligence and drive to become all three. But, to venture into the unknown. Which requires sheer guts as a family unit. To have the courage to visualize the greatness that her skills would produce on a World Wide stage.

Peace and Blessings to Suni Lee and her family.

[sakhorah]

why did i bawled my eyes out watching this. she is a gem, i love her fathers endless support

[hersheythao]

I love this! I don’t think people truly understand the importance of representation. Imagine growing up having no one who looks like you to look up to. Sunisa is an inspiration to all of us. I can’t wait to see the next generation of Hmong athletes.

[oscopin]

I love stories about a community rallying behind someone and this is one of those stories. Wonderful!! ♥️🇺🇲

[PurpleFlower]

She ate and didn’t leave any crumbs. luv you Sunisa Lee, you’re my inspiration!!!!

[kingdragonite]

Coming from experience as a Hmong person who was born in the 90's, sports was never a favor to be an occupation, and it is rare to even find Hmong families to even support their child in sports to go far(prove me wrong). To see Sunisa is a generation after mine is shocking, and I hope to see my own community grow from this. I hope Hmong Families in this time of age in America will actually support and consider putting their children in some sort of sports IF their child has a realistic goal and a dream to pursue far with it. Whether they choose to or not, or just do it as a hobby, it's still okay and nothing wrong. Sports has and always been a great representation and opportunity.

[lynnerobinson]

I'm so proud of you, you made America proud of you. Congrats to you sweetie

[travelingjazzman]

I'm glad they acknowledged her father as both a fan and strong supporter for her.

[iBlonme]

Thank you to her parents for believing her. Best part is letting her explore her beliefs and they shared the same dream with her.

[isabellenicaud]

A wonderful young woman, a great champion, a wonderful family. I hope Mr Lee will recover

[earthling]

Congratulations to Sunisa Lee! A well deserved Gold Medal Olympian! May God continue to watch over you and bless you.

[lilwalis]

She and her family are amazing. Very touching. Respect