Sunisa Lee

Sunisa Lee is a gymnast recognized for her achievements in artistic gymnastics and her historic representation as the first Hmong-American Olympian and the first Asian American woman to win the Olympic all-around title. A six-time member of the U.S. women's national gymnastics team, Lee has earned nine world championship and Olympic medals, ranking among the most decorated American female gymnasts in history. She qualified for the elite program at age 11 and joined the U.S. Junior National Team at 14, quickly establishing herself in the sport.

Before her Olympic success, Lee secured a complete set of medals at the World Championships, winning team gold, floor exercise silver, and uneven bars bronze in her first senior season. At the Tokyo Olympics, she delivered top scores for the U.S. women in the uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise, ultimately winning the all-around gold medal. Lee became the fifth consecutive American woman to claim all-around gold and the first Asian American to achieve this milestone. She later competed for Auburn University, becoming the first Olympic all-around champion to participate in collegiate gymnastics. During her time at Auburn, Lee received nine perfect 10s and earned gold and silver medals at the NCAA national championships.

Lee's return to the Olympic stage was marked by perseverance as she overcame kidney-related illnesses that ended her sophomore season at Auburn and temporarily sidelined her from international competition. After her recovery, Lee contributed to Team USA's gold medal win in Paris, competed on three apparatus in the team final, earned all-around bronze, and secured her second consecutive bronze medal on the uneven bars. In the all-around final, she became the first reigning Olympic champion since Nadia Comăneci to medal in the event at the following Olympic Games and the first American woman to win two career Olympic medals on the uneven bars.

Following her Olympic achievements, Lee was named Female Athlete of the Year by Sports Illustrated, Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation, and included in Time 100. She also received the Best Comeback Athlete ESPY Award. Beyond competition, Lee is active in charitable work, supporting her former elementary school and partnering with organizations such as the American Kidney Fund. Her television appearances include the documentary series "Golden: The Journey of USA's Elite Gymnasts" and competing on "Dancing with the Stars."

Lee is the third female gymnast to win NCAA, World, and Olympic championship titles, joining Kyla Ross and Madison Kocian. Her career continues to influence American gymnastics and inspire athletes across the sport.