US Gymnast and Two-Time Gold Medalist Suni Lee Makes Stunning SI Swimsuit Debut
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Olympics may take place just once every four years and span only a few weeks, but in that short window, countless athletes from around the globe rise to prominence. With the world watching, some thrive under the spotlight—others falter.
Suni Lee, a U.S. gymnast and two-time gold medalist, firmly belongs in the former group. She cemented her status as a global star during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, seizing the moment on one of sport's biggest stages.
Lee made a name for herself in that span, and since that moment, her life has changed for the better. She's become a household name, and not only does she have talent, but she also has looks.
Sports Illustrated realized that, which is why she became one of the many beautiful women who appeared in the swimsuit edition.
Sunisa Lee prior to a meet between the LSU Tigers and Auburn Tigers at Neville Arena on March 14, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama.
Sunisa Lee prior to a meet between the LSU Tigers and Auburn Tigers at Neville Arena on March 14, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama.
Photo byLee's cover is set to debut on Tuesday, May 13. For the shoot, she traveled to Boca Raton, Florida, where photographer Ben Horton captured her elegance and strength—both inside and out.
At 22 years old, the Minnesota native has already endured more than most. A standout athlete, Lee faced a frightening setback when she was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease during her time with the Auburn gymnastics team, forcing her to temporarily step away from the sport she loves. Thankfully, her condition has since improved, but her journey hasn't ended there.
Suni Lee
Suni Lee
Now, Lee has taken on a new role as an ambassador for the American Kidney Fund, using her platform to raise awareness and advocate for others facing similar health challenges.
She participated in the 2020 Tokyo Games and was more than healthy to appear in the 2024 Paris Games. In the 2020 games, Lee secured two bronze medals and became the first woman ever to do so in uneven bars.
Lee's life has changed completely, and she spoke on what has changed thus far in her life, including moving to New York after the 2024 games.
"Gymnastics has definitely impacted my body image," she stated. "We have to wear skin-tight leotards. There are so many critics online, but I'm always going to be my biggest critic, so whenever you read things, it just kind of makes you overthink. But I just had to learn that my body is my temple and I wouldn't be able to do what I have to do without it."
Lee is embarking on a new chapter in her life and is looking forward to doing so.
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