Olympic gold medallist Suni Lee has courageously revealed the harrowing health battle that brought her collegiate gymnastics career to an abrupt halt and threatened her future in the sport.
The 20-year-old American superstar, who triumphed in the all-around competition at the Tokyo 2020 Games, has been diagnosed with an incurable kidney disease that left her physically transformed and struggling to recognise her own body.
The Shocking Diagnosis
Lee's health crisis began with severe swelling throughout her body, a symptom she initially mistook for weight gain. "My whole body blew up," Lee recounted. "I didn't even recognise myself. Everything was swollen - my eyes, my fingers, my knees, my toes."
Medical professionals eventually diagnosed her with a chronic kidney condition, though the specific type remains undisclosed. The disease falls under the category of autoimmune conditions, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.
Career in Jeopardy
The diagnosis forced the Auburn University gymnast to make the heartbreaking decision to end her NCAA career prematurely. "It's been really hard," Lee admitted. "I was in the best shape of my life before this happened."
Her condition required treatment with medications that caused significant physical changes, including swelling and weight fluctuations that made elite-level gymnastics impossible during recovery.
Road to Recovery
Despite the challenges, Lee remains determined to return to competition. She has resumed training with hopes of making the US team for the Paris 2024 Olympics, though she acknowledges the long road ahead.
"I'm starting to get my skills back," Lee shared optimistically. Her journey continues to inspire fans worldwide as she balances elite athletic ambitions with managing a serious chronic health condition.
