Sunisa “Suni” Lee is a trailblazing American artistic gymnast who soared into global stardom after winning the gold medal in the all-around at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She became the first Hmong-American to represent the United States at the Olympics and the first Asian-American woman to win gold in the all-around category — an achievement that instantly etched her name in the annals of sports history. Born into a close-knit immigrant family, Sunisa’s journey to Olympic greatness was marked by resilience, sacrifice, and breathtaking talent. Her meteoric rise has not only redefined representation in gymnastics but has also inspired countless young athletes worldwide.
Raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Sunisa’s path was anything but easy. Her family fled war-torn Laos during the Vietnam War and resettled in the U.S., where they instilled in her a deep sense of perseverance and gratitude. Lee began training in gymnastics at the age of six and showed immense promise early on. By her teens, she had already made waves in the junior elite circuit and later became a key member of the U.S. national team.
Her Olympic performance in 2021 came amid extraordinary personal and professional challenges — from injuries to the tragic paralysis of her father just days before a major championship. But Lee remained undeterred. Her poise and focus in Tokyo — especially after Simone Biles withdrew from the all-around — captivated the world, showcasing her quiet strength and fearless athleticism.
Since her Olympic triumph, Sunisa has juggled college life, NIL sponsorships, and high-level gymnastics with ease and charm, becoming a beloved public figure and role model for young athletes, especially those from underrepresented communities.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Sunisa Phabsomphou Lee |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | Suni |
| Profession/Occupation | Artistic Gymnast |
| Birthplace | Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 22 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | March 9, 2003 |
| Hometown | Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA |
| Caste/Religion | Hmong-American / Christian |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Pisces |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 152 cm (5’0″) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | 50 kg |
| Body Measurements | 32-24-34 (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye’s Color | Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Father’s name | John Lee (stepfather) |
|---|---|
| Mother’s name | Yeev Thoj |
| Brother’s name | Lucky Lee, Noah Lee |
| Sister’s name | Evionn Lee, Shyenne Lee, others |
| Parents | Biological father info not public |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | Jaylin Smith (former) |
|---|---|
| Dating | N/A (as of 2025) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | South Saint Paul Secondary School |
|---|---|
| College/ University | Auburn University |
| Educational Qualification | Pursuing degree in Business & Marketing |
Controversies
- In 2021, following her Olympic win, Sunisa revealed she was pepper-sprayed in a racially motivated incident, highlighting the growing wave of anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S.
- She faced intense public scrutiny over her interracial relationship, prompting a wave of both support and backlash from the Hmong-American community online.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Sushi, Hot Pot, Pho |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | The Notebook |
| Favorite Actor | Michael B. Jordan |
| Favorite Actress | Zendaya |
| Favorite Color | Pink |
| Favorite Designer | Louis Vuitton |
| Favorite Destination | Hawaii |
| Favorite Cafe | Starbucks |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Lululemon |
| Favorite Book | “Becoming” by Michelle Obama |
| Favorite Athlete | Simone Biles |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Varies (from endorsements & appearances) |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated $3 million (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Phone Number | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| House Address | Saint Paul, Minnesota (Private) |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Sunisa Lee |
|---|---|
| @sunisalee_ | |
| Official Facebook Page | |
| @sunisalee_ |
Personal quote:
“I don’t want people to ever think they can’t do something because of the color of their skin or where they come from.”
Early Life and Career
Sunisa Lee was born into a proud Hmong-American family, a community that had never seen representation on the Olympic stage until her arrival. Growing up in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Suni started gymnastics at age six, showing natural aptitude from the start. Her family — particularly her stepfather John Lee — supported her unconditionally, building makeshift balance beams in the backyard to encourage her passion.
Her elite gymnastics journey began in 2015 when she joined the national team, but it was her 2019 silver medal at the U.S. National Championships that announced her as one of America’s top contenders. Leading into the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to COVID-19), Lee was considered a key member of the “Final Five” replacement team, stepping up when Simone Biles exited due to mental health challenges. Sunisa delivered one of the most graceful and technically stunning all-around performances in Olympic history, clinching the gold medal.
Current Life/Events
Post-Olympics, Sunisa enrolled at Auburn University, balancing NCAA gymnastics with media appearances, sponsorship deals (including partnerships with Target, Crocs, and Gatorade), and activism. She competed in NCAA events while building her brand under the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policy, becoming one of the most marketable college athletes in the country.
In 2023, she announced a break from college competition due to a kidney-related health issue, but made a return to elite training in 2024, with her eyes firmly set on the Paris 2024 Olympics — signaling her intent to remain a competitive force on the world stage.
Facts:
Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Sunisa Lee:
- She is the first Hmong-American to compete in the Olympics.
- Her full name is Sunisa Phabsomphou Lee, but she goes by Suni.
- Her father, John Lee, was paralyzed from the waist down in a tragic fall just days before the 2019 U.S. Championships — she still competed and won silver.
- She has six siblings and remains very close to her large family.
- Suni performed a TikTok dance with Simone Biles that went viral during the Olympics.
- She became a fashion icon, appearing at the Met Gala shortly after her Olympic win.
- Her favorite TV show is “Grey’s Anatomy.”
- She has a tattoo of the Olympic rings on her right forearm.
- She has expressed interest in pursuing a career in sports media or business after gymnastics.
- Suni was featured in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2021.
