Suni Lee Eyes Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

Health Scare and Return to Competition

Suni Lee, the first Hmong American Olympic gold medalist, announced her comeback to elite gymnastics on Tuesday. The 23‑year‑old star revealed she is resuming her Olympic pursuit after battling two rare kidney diseases that forced her to sit out before the Paris Games. Her diagnosis in 2023 caused severe swelling, rapid fluid retention, and a long layoff from both collegiate and elite competition. After intensive treatment, she qualified for the Paris Olympics and helped the U.S. capture the women’s team title while earning bronze medals in the all‑around and on uneven bars. This comeback marks a dramatic turnaround after months of uncertainty surrounding her future on the balance beam.

Medal Count and Olympic Milestones

Lee has amassed six Olympic medals across two Games. She collected gold in the all‑around, silver with the team, and bronze on uneven bars at Tokyo 2020. In Paris 2024 she added another team gold, all‑around bronze, and uneven bars bronze, bringing her career total to six. Her eight‑year career already includes the distinction of being the first Hmong American to win Olympic gold. The upcoming Los Angeles cycle would be her third Olympic appearance and her first on home soil if she secures a U.S. team spot.

Timeline to Los Angeles 2028

The announcement came via an Instagram video posted exactly two years before the Los Angeles opening ceremony. In the clip Lee said, “I know what I’m capable of. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get there,” and concluded with “This is more than a comeback. Stay tuned.” She first hinted at a possible return at the 2026 ESPYS, telling People she felt she had “so much more in the tank” and wanted to give herself another chance. Lee kept her plans private while deciding on another Olympic cycle, but the timeline now points directly toward qualifying for the 2028 Games. Should she make the U.S. roster, she will compete on American soil for the first time.

What It Means for U.S. Gymnastics

Lee’s comeback injects fresh momentum into the U.S. women’s program as it eyes Los Angeles 2028. Her experience and medal‑winning pedigree provide depth and leadership for the national team. The timing aligns with the Olympic qualification window, giving selectors a proven contender heading into the next cycle. A healthy Lee could shift the competitive balance within the U.S. squad and boost expectations for home‑soil success.

Key Figures and Deadlines

• Suni Lee – 23‑year‑old, first Hmong American Olympic gold medalist.
• Two rare kidney diseases diagnosed in 2023, caused severe swelling and fluid retention.
• Six career Olympic medals (Tokyo: 1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze; Paris: 1 team gold, 2 bronze).
• Instagram video posted Tuesday, exactly 2 years before Los Angeles 2028 opening ceremony.
• 2028 Los Angeles Olympics – target for third Olympic appearance and first home Games.