Sunisa Lee: the path to the 2024 Olympics in Paris was harder than for most athletes
2 july 2024 в 01:37
Sunisa Lee’s journey to the 2024 Olympics in Paris was more difficult than what most athletes have gone through. The 21-year-old gymnast appeared on the TODAY show with her teammates — Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and MyKayla Skinner — and openly talked about the tough battle she had to go through after being diagnosed with two forms of kidney disease.
«We didn’t think I would be here», - she admitted, referring to her current status as a member of the 2024 US Olympic team. «So going through all of these events and… everything we had to go through this week to get here, it was just such a difficult, incredible journey».
Sunisa then explained how she overcame moments of self-doubt, recalling «many times when I thought about quitting and giving up because I was in so much pain, and it was so hard to stay motivated, watching everyone get better».
Sunisa won the women’s individual all-around at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Shortly after, she enrolled at Auburn University to compete for the school’s gymnastics team. However, by her second year, she had to leave due to her health condition. In early 2023, Sunisa noticed swelling all over her body and gained about 40 pounds. Doctors later discovered that she had an incurable kidney disease. Nevertheless, she was determined to return to gymnastics training.
In August 2023, Sunisa shared a positive update with her Instagram followers, noting how «blessed and grateful» she was for the opportunity to return to elite-level competition.
«This comeback was so much more than my return to elite gymnastics», - she wrote at the time. «It was proof to myself that I can overcome hardships and hopefully inspire others not to let life’s setbacks stop them from chasing their dreams».
Earlier this year, Sunisa confirmed that she is in remission. Now she is heading to Paris this summer to represent the USA in the team at the 2024 Olympic Games
«We didn’t think I would be here», - she admitted, referring to her current status as a member of the 2024 US Olympic team. «So going through all of these events and… everything we had to go through this week to get here, it was just such a difficult, incredible journey».
Sunisa then explained how she overcame moments of self-doubt, recalling «many times when I thought about quitting and giving up because I was in so much pain, and it was so hard to stay motivated, watching everyone get better».
Sunisa won the women’s individual all-around at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Shortly after, she enrolled at Auburn University to compete for the school’s gymnastics team. However, by her second year, she had to leave due to her health condition. In early 2023, Sunisa noticed swelling all over her body and gained about 40 pounds. Doctors later discovered that she had an incurable kidney disease. Nevertheless, she was determined to return to gymnastics training.
In August 2023, Sunisa shared a positive update with her Instagram followers, noting how «blessed and grateful» she was for the opportunity to return to elite-level competition.
«This comeback was so much more than my return to elite gymnastics», - she wrote at the time. «It was proof to myself that I can overcome hardships and hopefully inspire others not to let life’s setbacks stop them from chasing their dreams».
Earlier this year, Sunisa confirmed that she is in remission. Now she is heading to Paris this summer to represent the USA in the team at the 2024 Olympic Games
© Artemenko Olga
