If you’ve watched elite gymnastics over the past few years, you’ve seen Suni Lee land routines that made history—and then watched her navigate a health battle that could have ended her career. This article pieces together her Hmong‑American roots, her Olympic medals, the kidney disease she’s managing, and what her life looks like away from the competition floor.
Age: 21 (born March 9, 2003) · Olympic Medals: 6 (2 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze) · Estimated Net Worth: $5 million (2025) · Known For: First Hmong‑American Olympian, 2020 all‑around gold medalist · Health Condition: Incurable kidney disease (publicly disclosed 2023)
Quick snapshot
- First Hmong‑American Olympian (Britannica biography)
- Gold in women’s all‑around at Tokyo 2020 (Britannica)
- Diagnosed with incurable kidney disease in 2023 (Reuters)
- Height 5’2” (1.57 m) (NBC Olympics)
- Exact net worth is estimated, not publicly confirmed
- Relationship status (no public confirmation)
- Specific treatment regimen details
- Exact cause of kidney disease not disclosed
- 2003: Born in St. Paul, Minnesota
- 2021: Olympic all‑around gold
- 2023: Diagnosed with kidney disease
- 2024: Public disclosure and Paris bronze
- Continuing elite gymnastics with managed health
- Potential endorsement expansion
- Ongoing advocacy for Hmong‑American visibility
Of the nine key factual categories in Suni Lee’s public profile, one pattern emerges: almost every major achievement and health milestone is verified by tier‑1 or tier‑2 sources, while financial and relationship details remain estimates or private.
| Label | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Sunisa Lee | Britannica |
| Date of Birth | March 9, 2003 | Britannica |
| Place of Birth | Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA | NBC Olympics |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m) | NBC Olympics |
| Discipline | Women’s artistic gymnastics | Britannica |
| Olympic Medals | 6 (2 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze) | Britannica / Olympics.com |
| Known For | 2020 all‑around gold, first Hmong‑American Olympian | Britannica |
| Health Condition | Incurable kidney disease (2023) | Reuters |
| Estimated Net Worth | $5 million (2025) | Estimate (no public confirmation) |
What ethnicity is Suni Lee?
Suni Lee is Hmong‑American. Her parents are Hmong refugees from Laos, and she grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota—a city with one of the largest Hmong communities in the United States. She is the first Hmong‑American Olympic gymnast and the first Asian American to win the Olympic women’s all‑around gold, according to NBC Olympics.
What is Suni Lee’s Hmong heritage?
- Her father, John Lee, immigrated from Laos; her mother, Yeev Thoj, is also of Hmong descent (NBC Olympics).
- John Lee raised Suni from age 2 and she considers him her father (same source).
- Lee has spoken about the importance of representing the Hmong community on a global stage.
How does Suni Lee identify culturally?
She proudly identifies as Hmong‑American. In interviews, she has highlighted her community’s support during her gymnastics career. The Britannica biography notes she is the first Hmong American Olympic athlete.
“I want to show the Hmong community that anything is possible.”
— Suni Lee, quoted in Britannica
What this means: Lee’s identity is inseparable from her Hmong roots—a fact that amplifies her accomplishments beyond gymnastics and makes her a cultural touchstone for a diaspora community in the U.S.
For Hmong‑American youth, Suni Lee is arguably the most visible ambassador. Her Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020 landed at a moment when the Hmong community was still largely unknown to mainstream America. Her presence on the podium changed that.
What chronic illness does Suni Lee have?
Suni Lee was diagnosed with an incurable kidney disease in 2023. She disclosed the condition publicly in 2024, revealing that it caused swelling in her face, fingers, and legs and sometimes made it difficult to get out of bed, as reported by Reuters.
What was Suni Lee diagnosed with?
- Two forms of kidney disease—she did not specify the exact type (Biography.com).
- The disease is incurable, meaning she will manage it for life.
- By April 2024, Lee said the condition was in remission (Reuters).
Is Suni Lee’s kidney disease curable?
No. The disease is considered incurable, but Lee has stated she is “feeling a lot better” and managing it with medication and lifestyle changes (Prevention).
How does kidney disease affect her gymnastics?
- It forced her to end her college gymnastics career early at Auburn University in April 2023 (ABC News).
- She returned to training and competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics, winning bronze.
- Lee continues to balance rigorous training with medical management.
“I wake up every day and I’m like, I can’t believe I’m still doing this.”
— Suni Lee to Reuters, April 2024
The trade-off: Elite gymnastics demands extreme physical output, but Lee’s condition puts a hard ceiling on how much her body can sustain. Her decision to keep competing shows a calculated gamble between sport and health.
Is Suni Lee in a relationship?
Suni Lee has not publicly confirmed a relationship. Rumors linked her to NBA player OG Anunoby in 2024, but neither party has verified the connection. She has stated she prioritizes her gymnastics and health over dating.
Is Suni Lee married?
No. She is not married.
Who is Suni Lee’s boyfriend?
She has not publicly named a boyfriend.
Is Suni Lee dating OG Anunoby?
No confirmation exists. Reports remain speculative.
The takeaway: Despite public curiosity, Lee keeps her romantic life private. What’s known is her commitment to her athletic and health goals takes precedence.
What is Suni Lee’s net worth?
Suni Lee’s net worth is estimated at $5 million as of 2025. That figure comes from prize money, endorsements with brands like Athleta, and social media earnings. She is considered one of the highest‑earning female gymnasts.
Is Suni Lee a millionaire?
Yes, according to multiple financial estimates. However, no official financial disclosure exists, so the number should be treated as an educated guess.
How did Suni Lee build her net worth?
- Olympic prize money (USA Gymnastics bonuses and medal bonuses)
- Endorsement deals (Athleta and others)
- Appearances and brand partnerships
- Social media presence (millions of followers on Instagram)
“She’s one of the most marketable gymnasts in the world right now.”
— Sports marketing expert, quoted in Biography.com
The pattern: Earnings are tied directly to Olympic success and her unique cultural appeal. As long as she competes at a high level, endorsement income is likely to grow.
What is Suni Lee’s religion?
Suni Lee identifies as a Christian. She has not specified a denomination. Her faith is a private aspect of her life, occasionally mentioned in interviews.
What is Suni Lee’s age?
She is 21 years old, born March 9, 2003 (Britannica).
What is Suni Lee’s height?
5 feet 2 inches (1.57 m) (NBC Olympics). Other sources list 5 ft exactly; the discrepancy is negligible.
Who is Suni Lee’s sister?
She has an older sister named Evionn Lee (Biography.com).
Why does Suni Lee have dots on her lips?
Those are lip piercings, not a health condition. She first appeared with them in 2024.
The takeaway: Beyond the kidney disease, Lee’s personal details are straightforward. The lip piercings and sister’s name are minor curiosities that don’t change the big picture of her career and identity.
For a public figure managing a chronic illness, even benign personal details like piercings can be misinterpreted. Fans often conflate health symptoms with cosmetic choices—a reminder of how little we truly see behind the spotlight.
Timeline of Suni Lee’s career and health
Seven dates trace the arc of her rise, her health crisis, and her return.
- 2003 – Born Sunisa Lee in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
- 2019 – Made senior international debut at World Championships.
- 2021 – Won Olympic all‑around gold and uneven bars bronze at Tokyo 2020.
- 2022–2023 – Competed for Auburn University; NCAA titles.
- 2023 – Diagnosed with incurable kidney disease; kept private initially.
- 2024 – Publicly disclosed kidney disease; returned to gymnastics; won Olympic bronze in Paris.
- 2025 – Estimated net worth reaches $5 million; ongoing health management.
What this timeline shows: Lee’s career breaks into two acts—the pre‑disease peak (2021) and the post‑diagnosis comeback (2024–present). Each section is defined by a major competition and a health milestone.
Confirmed facts vs. What remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Suni Lee is Hmong‑American.
- She was diagnosed with an incurable kidney disease in 2023.
- She won Olympic all‑around gold in 2021 and multiple medals.
- Her height is 5’2”, age 21.
- She has a sister named Evionn.
What remains unclear
- Exact net worth is estimated, not publicly confirmed.
- Relationship status (boyfriend, marriage) not publicly confirmed.
- Specific details of her treatment regimen are private.
- The exact cause of her kidney disease is not disclosed.
Why this split matters: When a public figure with a serious illness keeps some details private, it’s a boundary that the media and fans should respect. The confirmed facts give us a reliable picture of her life and career; the unclear areas show where speculation should stay cautious.
Quotes from Suni Lee and those close to her
“I want to show the Hmong community that anything is possible.”
— Suni Lee, Britannica
“I wake up every day and I’m like, I can’t believe I’m still doing this.”
— Suni Lee, Reuters
“She’s one of the most marketable gymnasts in the world right now.”
— Sports marketing expert, Biography.com
“Suni is a fighter. She never gave up even when it was hard.”
— Coach Jess Graba, ESPN interview
The common thread: Every speaker emphasizes resilience. Whether it’s Suni herself, her coach, or a media analyst, the narrative is consistent: she has overcome obstacles that would have ended most careers.
marca.com, the-independent.com, aol.com, yahoo.com, yahoo.com, olympics.com
For a deeper look at Suni Lees career highlights, including her Olympic journey and ongoing health challenges, this biography provides comprehensive context.
Frequently asked questions
What is Suni Lee’s full name?
Sunisa Lee, most commonly known as Suni Lee.
Where did Suni Lee go to college?
She attended Auburn University and competed for the Auburn Tigers gymnastics team from 2021 to 2023.
How many Olympic medals does Suni Lee have?
Six: two gold, one silver, and three bronze across Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
What brands endorse Suni Lee?
She has endorsement deals with Athleta and other brands; the full list is not public.
Does Suni Lee have any siblings?
Yes, an older sister named Evionn Lee.
What is Suni Lee’s Instagram handle?
@sunisalee_ (official account).
Is Suni Lee still competing in gymnastics?
Yes, she continues to compete at the elite level and won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
What is Suni Lee’s diet or training routine?
She follows a training regimen adapted to her kidney disease, but specific details are private.
For the curious fan in the U.S., the implication is clear: Suni Lee’s story is still being written. Her next move—whether on the competition floor or in brand deals—will be shaped by the same factors that defined her so far: heritage, health, and an uncommon will to compete.
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Daniel Campbell is Editor-in-Chief at True North Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.