For U.S. gymnast Suni Lee, winning the all-around gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was not only a dream realized but also an unexpected challenge. The 18-year-old found herself under intense scrutiny as the latest Olympian to join an elite group of champions, including legends like Nadia Comaneci, Nastia Liukin, and Simone Biles.
Lee expressed to reporters that she often struggled with imposter syndrome, a feeling that has persisted even as she prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics. This was despite overcoming a kidney-related illness that threatened her ability to compete again.
Her teammates, Biles and Jordan Chiles, recognized her self-doubt and had a heartfelt conversation with her before the women’s team final on July 30. They encouraged her to embrace her status as the reigning Olympic champion. “They were just like, ‘You need to walk out like the reigning Olympic champion,’” Lee recounted. She acknowledged that her nerves were evident in the gym, and she has been working to channel her feelings into her performances.
During the past week in Paris, Lee has collected three medals: team gold, and bronzes in both the all-around and uneven bars events. Her all-around medal marked the first time a reigning Olympic champion secured that title since Comaneci did so in 1976 and earned silver in 1980.
Lee is now among only 12 women, including Biles, to hold two Olympic all-around medals. With six total Olympic medals, she is currently tied with Aly Raisman for third place among American gymnasts. Lee aims for her seventh medal in the upcoming balance beam final on August 5, which would tie her for second place with Shannon Miller.
“[I’m] just enjoying every single moment,” Lee stated. “It’s just been really fun.”