Earlier this year, the 20-year-old reigning world champion in gymnastics Suni Lee disclosed her diagnosis of an incurable kidney disease. In a recent update on Thursday, she detailed the gravity of her situation, revealing a weight gain of 45 pounds over the course of the year due to the illness.
While the 2020 Olympic all-around champion and bronze medalist on the uneven bars has successfully managed her medical condition in recent times, the journey has been far from easy.
“I haven’t experienced a really bad day in a while,” Lee remarked. “But initially, it felt like waking up to swelling. My fingers were so swollen that they couldn’t fit into my grips, and I couldn’t hold on to the bar.”
“My entire body was swollen due to water retention, preventing me from executing flips. It was a significant adjustment, and I had to learn how to navigate through it,” she shared.
Despite her focus on preparing for the 2024 Paris Games, Lee chose not to disclose the specifics of her diagnosis or the treatments she is undergoing. However, she did mention monitoring her sodium intake as part of her health regimen.
Acknowledging both good and bad days, she emphasized her commitment to pushing through challenges. “On the good days, I make the most of what I can do, and on the bad days, I stick to basics and prioritize safety,” she explained.
Reflecting on the emotional toll, Lee expressed the fear of waking up one day and not recognizing herself, a sentiment heightened by never having faced any significant health issues before.
Despite qualifying for the U.S. Championships and receiving an invitation to the U.S. team selection camp for the world championships, Lee opted to prioritize her health over competitive gymnastics.
“I decided not to rush into it, risking my body to prepare for the Olympic year,” she stated in an interview. When her symptoms first emerged, doctors initially suspected an allergic reaction, only to realize the persistent swelling was a more serious concern.
Looking back at past competition videos, Lee admitted feeling emotional, no longer identifying with the athlete she once was. In August, she shared a photo on Instagram from the 2023 Core Hydration Classic, symbolizing her comeback to elite gymnastics.
“This comeback meant more than returning to elite gymnastics,” she captioned the post. “It was about proving to myself that I can overcome challenges and inspiring others to pursue their dreams despite life’s setbacks.”