Sunisa 'Suni' Lee, the Hmong-American gymnastics sensation who captured the world's attention at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has officially begun her training cycle for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The announcement marks a new chapter in a career that has already been defined by extraordinary achievement and resilience.
Lee walked through the doors of Midwest Gymnastics in St. Paul, Minnesota at just six years old, and she has been training with coaches Jess Graba and his wife, Aly, ever since. That early start laid the foundation for what would become a historic run: gold in the all-around at Tokyo 2020, bronze on the uneven bars, and a team silver medal—all while dealing with the pressure of being the first Hmong-American gymnast to compete on the world stage.
After the Tokyo Games, Lee took a brief hiatus to focus on her health. In 2023, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with a kidney condition that caused swelling in her legs and eyes. The condition forced her to step away from competition for several months, raising questions about whether she would ever return to elite gymnastics. But true to form, Lee tackled the challenge head-on. She underwent treatment, adjusted her diet, and gradually returned to training. By early 2024, she was back in the gym, though she did not compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Now, with her health stabilized and her passion reignited, Lee is aiming for a third Olympic appearance. No American woman has competed in three consecutive Olympic Games since 2012, when the legendary Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas both made their second teams. Lee, who turns 22 in 2025, would be 25 at the 2028 Games—an age that, while older than the typical gymnastics peak, is increasingly common as the sport evolves. Simone Biles, for example, competed in the 2024 Paris Games at age 27, proving that longevity is possible with modern training methods.
Lee's decision to target 2028 also reflects a broader trend in gymnastics: athletes are extending their careers. The NCAA offers a pathway for gymnasts to compete after high school, and Lee herself spent one season at Auburn University, where she earned All-America honors. Although she turned professional in 2024, she has maintained her connection to the sport through exhibition events and clinics.
The road to Los Angeles will not be easy. Lee will need to regain the difficulty and consistency that made her the world's best in 2021. Her uneven bars routine remains one of the hardest in the world, featuring a Nabieva release and a full-in dismount. On beam, she is known for her grace and balance, while her floor exercise combines powerful tumbling with artistic expression. The all-around title requires excellence across all four events, and Lee will have to fend off a new generation of talented gymnasts, including Germany's Elisa von Kander and the United States' own rising stars like 2024 Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez (though Hernandez is also targeting 2028).
Beyond the technical demands, Lee's journey is also a story of representation. As a Hmong-American, she has become a role model for young Asian Americans and for the Hmong community worldwide. She frequently speaks about the importance of mental health, having dealt with her own struggles under the Olympic spotlight. Her openness has earned her admiration far beyond the gymnastics world.
Training is already underway at Midwest Gymnastics, where Graba and his team have been working with Lee on a phased return. The gym, located in a modest strip mall, has been her home away from home for over a decade. Graba has described Lee as 'the hardest worker in the room' and has expressed confidence in her ability to compete at the highest level again.
Lee's schedule for the next three years will include national team camps, international competitions like the World Championships (if she chooses to participate), and finally the qualifying trials for the 2028 Olympics. The Los Angeles Games promise to be a homecoming for many American athletes, and Lee has already expressed her excitement about competing in her home country.
Of course, there are risks. Gymnastics is a sport where injuries can derail even the best-laid plans. Lee has already dealt with kidney issues, which require careful monitoring. But with modern sports medicine and a supportive team around her, she is determined to write a new chapter in her already legendary career.
As Suni Lee sets her sights on 2028, she carries with her the hopes of a community that has supported her from the start. Whether she will win another gold medal is uncertain, but one thing is clear: her story is far from over. The journey that began in a small gym in Minnesota now leads to Los Angeles, where the brightest lights in gymnastics await.
Source: Yahoo News News