Sunisa Lee

American artistic gymnast who won the Olympic all-around gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the fifth American woman to claim the title.

Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on March 9, 2003, to a Hmong-American family, Sunisa "Suni" Lee began gymnastics at age six at Midwest Gymnastics Center. Her parents, John Lee and Yeev Thoj, immigrated from Laos, making her part of the significant Hmong community in Minnesota. Lee's early training was guided by coach Jess Graba, who recognized her natural talent and work ethic from childhood. Lee's elite career accelerated rapidly through the junior ranks. She made her senior international debut in 2019, contributing to the U.S. team's gold medal at the World Championships in Stuttgart. Her specialty on uneven bars became increasingly dominant, earning her individual medals at major competitions. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, delayed to 2021, marked her breakthrough moment when she claimed the all-around gold medal after Simone Biles withdrew from the competition due to mental health concerns. At Tokyo, Lee became the fifth American woman to win Olympic all-around gold, also earning silver in the team competition and bronze on uneven bars. Her all-around victory was particularly significant as she became the first Hmong-American Olympic champion in any sport. Following her Olympic success, she enrolled at Auburn University to compete collegiately while maintaining her elite status. Lee returned to elite competition for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she competed despite managing a kidney condition, demonstrating remarkable resilience and earning additional team medals. Lee's impact extends beyond her competitive achievements. Her Olympic victory provided unprecedented representation for the Hmong community, whose celebrations in Minnesota gained international attention. Known for her exceptional bar work, consistency across all four events, and mental toughness under pressure, she helped maintain American dominance in women's gymnastics during a transitional period. Her ability to perform at the highest level while balancing collegiate athletics and health challenges has established her as one of the most resilient athletes of her generation.

Known for exceptional uneven bars routines and strong all-around consistency

First Hmong-American Olympic gymnast and fifth American woman to win Olympic all-around gold

• Olympic All-Around Champion 2020
• Olympic Team Silver 2020
• Olympic Uneven Bars Bronze 2020