Suni Lee: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Suni Lee has quickly become a household name in the world of gymnastics, known for her remarkable athleticism and her historic gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Her journey from a young, aspiring gymnast to one of the best in the world is an inspiring story of perseverance, talent, and dedication.
- Age: 21 Years
- Date of Birth: March 9, 2003
- Birth Place: Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
- Weight: 110 pounds (50 kg)
- Height: 5 feet 0 inches (152 cm) tall
- Net Worth: $3 million
Early Life and Background
Full Name: Sunisa Phan “Suni” Lee
Date of Birth: March 9, 2003
Age: 21 years old (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Hmong-American
Suni Lee was born on March 9, 2003, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, into a family of Hmong descent. Her parents, John Lee and Yeev Thoj, are of Hmong heritage, a group of people originally from Southeast Asia. Suni’s upbringing in a Hmong-American household played a significant role in shaping her identity, providing a strong cultural foundation, and fostering a sense of pride in her heritage. The Hmong community, known for their resilience and tight-knit family structures, has long celebrated their accomplishments in fields like education and the arts. Suni Lee is proud to be an inspiration to the Hmong community, particularly young girls who look up to her as a role model.Growing up, Suni was drawn to gymnastics at an early age. Her parents noticed her love for movement and gymnastics when she was just six years old. She began taking gymnastics classes and quickly showed an exceptional level of skill. Little did they know, this early passion would eventually turn into one of the most successful careers in gymnastics history.
Family and Support System
Suni Lee’s family has been a crucial part of her journey to the top of the gymnastics world. Her father, John Lee, played a pivotal role in her development as an athlete. However, Suni’s family also faced significant hardships. Her father, a former para-professional wrestler, was paralyzed after falling from a ladder in 2019. This traumatic event was a challenging period in Suni’s life, but it also strengthened her determination and dedication to succeed in gymnastics. Despite his injury, John Lee continued to be a source of support for his daughter, traveling to competitions and cheering her on.Suni’s mother, Yeev Thoj, has also been an essential figure in her life, providing emotional support and stability during difficult times. Yeev is deeply involved in her daughter’s gymnastics career, attending practices, competitions, and playing a key role in supporting her daughter through the ups and downs of her athletic journey.In addition to her immediate family, Suni Lee has a large extended family that has been a constant source of love and encouragement. Her family’s support is evident in the many emotional moments they’ve shared together, particularly when Suni achieved monumental milestones in her gymnastics career.Suni is the youngest of six children in her family, and her siblings have been incredibly supportive throughout her career. Growing up in a large, close-knit family helped Suni develop resilience and a strong sense of community. Her family’s strong bond and unwavering support have played an essential role in her rise to success.
Early Career and Gymnastics Journey
Suni Lee’s journey in gymnastics began when she was very young. At the age of six, she began taking gymnastics classes at a local gym, and it quickly became clear that she had a natural talent for the sport. She showed remarkable flexibility, strength, and agility from the outset, impressing her coaches and parents alike.By the time Suni was in her early teens, she had already made a name for herself in regional gymnastics competitions. At the age of 14, she began training at the Midwest Gymnastics Center in Minnesota under coach Al Fong, who would become an instrumental part of her development. Suni’s training at the Midwest Gymnastics Center was rigorous, but it paid off as she continued to perform well at national competitions.Suni Lee first began to gain national attention in 2017 when she earned a spot on the U.S. Junior National Team. That same year, she made her debut at the U.S. Classic, finishing in 7th place overall. In 2018, she continued to show her potential at the U.S. Championships, finishing in 3rd place in the all-around competition. These performances established her as one of the most promising gymnasts in the U.S.However, Suni’s breakthrough moment came in 2019. She placed first in the all-around competition at the U.S. Championships, solidifying her position as one of the top contenders for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her victory at the U.S. Championships earned her a spot in the senior national team, and she began competing on the international stage.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Suni Lee’s Historic Gold Medal Win
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which took place in the summer of 2021, was a defining moment in Suni Lee’s career. Lee entered the competition as one of the favorites for a medal in gymnastics, but few could have predicted the history she would make.Suni’s Olympic journey began with a strong showing in the qualification round, where she finished in second place overall, behind Simone Biles, the reigning gymnastics legend. Biles, however, withdrew from the team competition due to mental health concerns, creating a chance for Suni to shine on the world stage.In the women’s individual all-around final, Suni Lee rose to the occasion and delivered a flawless performance across all four apparatuses. She finished with a total score of 57.433, edging out the Russian gymnast Angelina Melnikova and Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade to win the gold medal. This victory was historic, as Suni became the first Hmong-American athlete to win a gold medal in the Olympics and the first U.S. gymnast to win the women’s all-around title since Gabby Douglas in 2012.Suni’s performance in Tokyo was nothing short of remarkable, and her gold medal win earned her widespread acclaim from both fans and fellow athletes. Her victory was particularly significant for the Hmong-American community, as it highlighted her cultural heritage and served as a symbol of perseverance and determination.
Post-Olympic Career
Following her gold medal win, Suni Lee continued to receive media attention and became an ambassador for the sport of gymnastics. She participated in various interviews, magazine covers, and television appearances, cementing her status as one of the brightest stars in American sports.In addition to her professional commitments, Suni decided to attend Auburn University in Alabama and compete for the Auburn Tigers gymnastics team. She officially joined the team in 2022 and has since become a standout athlete in collegiate gymnastics, winning numerous awards and accolades.While Suni has taken a step back from elite international competition, her collegiate career has continued to rise, as she continues to perfect her skills on the balance beam, uneven bars, vault, and floor exercises. Her presence on the Auburn University gymnastics team has helped to elevate the program and attract new fans to the sport.
Net Worth and Sponsorships
Suni Lee’s success in gymnastics has not only brought her fame but also a considerable financial reward. As of 2025, Suni Lee’s net worth is estimated to be around $3-5 million, a significant amount for a young athlete.A large portion of her earnings comes from various sponsorships and endorsement deals. Following her gold medal win, Suni signed lucrative deals with major brands, including Nike, Gatorade, and Target. These endorsements have provided her with substantial financial opportunities, allowing her to leverage her Olympic success into long-term wealth. She also appears in numerous advertisements and marketing campaigns, further adding to her income.In addition to endorsement deals, Suni Lee’s appearance fees for public speaking engagements and gymnastics exhibitions also contribute to her net worth. She has become a sought-after speaker, sharing her story of overcoming adversity and achieving success, making her a valuable asset in the world of corporate sponsorships and brand promotions.Her financial situation is further supported by her academic journey at Auburn University, where she is a member of the gymnastics team. As a collegiate athlete, Suni also receives compensation for her participation in college sports, including scholarship funds and potential NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals.
Conclusion
Suni Lee’s story is one of triumph, resilience, and dedication. From a young girl with big dreams in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to an Olympic gold medalist and influential role model, she has proven that with hard work, determination, and a strong support system, anything is possible. Her family’s unwavering support, combined with her natural talent and mental fortitude, has propelled her to the pinnacle of the gymnastics world.As she continues to grow both as an athlete and a person, Suni Lee will undoubtedly inspire future generations to follow in her footsteps, not only in gymnastics but also in any field where passion and perseverance are key. With a promising future ahead of her, it’s clear that Suni Lee’s story is far from over.
