Suni Lee’s remarkable journey to becoming an Olympic gold medalist is not only a testament to her dedication and talent but also to the unwavering support from her parents, Yeev Thoj and John Lee. As she made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, becoming the first woman of Asian descent and the first Hmong-American to win the Olympic all-around title in gymnastics, her parents watched with pride from their home in Minnesota due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Suni Lee’s Family Background
Origins in Laos
Yeev and John are part of the Hmong ethnic group and emigrated from Laos, a Southeast Asian country bordered by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. As children, their families sought refuge in Thailand after the Vietnam War before finally settling in Minnesota. Their journey, marked by hardship and resilience, is a significant part of Suni’s heritage. John, a Navy and Army veteran, now works as an applications engineer, while Yeev is an associate care manager for a health insurance company.
John reflects on their past with a sense of pride and gratitude, acknowledging the sacrifices made for a better life. “A lot of people don’t understand Hmong people or that we went through a really rough life to get here to the United States,” he told ESPN.
A Family of Six
Before meeting Yeev and her then 2-year-old daughter Suni, John had two children from a previous marriage, Jonah and Shyenne. Together, Yeev and John have three more children: Evionn, Lucky, and Noah. Although John and Yeev never married, Suni chose to take John’s last name during her teenage years, solidifying their familial bond.
The Path to Gymnastics Glory
Early Beginnings and Support
Both Yeev and John were high school athletes and were keen on encouraging their children to participate in sports. A family friend noticed Suni’s potential when she was doing somersaults at a park and suggested enrolling her in a gymnastics class for toddlers. John, ever the supportive father, built a makeshift balance beam out of an old mattress in their backyard to help Suni practice. This four-foot-long beam remains a symbol of Suni’s humble beginnings and the start of her journey in gymnastics.
Overcoming Challenges
In August 2019, just days before Suni was set to compete in the U.S. National Gymnastics Championships, John suffered a life-changing accident. He fell from a ladder while trimming a tree, severely damaging his spinal cord and leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. Despite this, John encouraged Suni to compete, showing immense strength and support even in his most challenging moments.
John now uses a wheelchair and undergoes electronic stimulation therapy on his legs. His resilience continues to inspire Suni, who often seeks his guidance and pep talks before major competitions. “You’re not doing this for nobody else anymore,” John told her before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “Not for your friends, not for the Hmong community. You are doing this for yourself now. OK? Enjoy. That’s your only goal. You got this.”
Suni Lee’s Triumphs and Challenges
Historic Olympic Win
Suni’s victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was a momentous occasion not only for her but also for her family and the Hmong community. Despite the pandemic preventing her parents from being physically present, their emotional support was palpable.
When Suni won the gold medal, John expressed his overwhelming pride and disbelief, stating, “I am so happy that she got the gold, and I don’t know what else to say. It’s just surreal, you know? I never expected this, but she did it. Thirteen years of hard work, and she did it.”
Paris Olympics and Continued Success
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Suni and Team USA won gold again, this time with her parents by her side. Yeev and John made the journey to Paris, savoring the experience and celebrating their daughter’s continued success. Unlike the Tokyo Olympics, where they had to watch from afar, the Paris games allowed them to be a part of the excitement and cheer for Suni in person.
Personal Life and Community Challenges
Interracial Relationship Backlash
Despite her professional success, Suni has faced personal challenges, particularly from within her own Hmong-American community. She has been in an interracial relationship with Jaylin Smith, a football player at the University of Southern California, which has drawn negative comments.
Suni openly shared her experience on social media, expressing disappointment that her community supports her only when it benefits them and not when it concerns her happiness. “I’ve received so much hate😭 they support me when it’s beneficial for them never when it comes to my happiness,” she wrote.
Racist Attack Incident
Suni has also faced racism outside her community. She was the target of a racist pepper spray attack while out with friends. People in a passing car hurled racist slurs at her and her friends, telling them to “go back to where they came from” before spraying Suni’s arm with pepper spray. The incident left her feeling helpless and angry but also highlighted the challenges that Asian-Americans face.
Conclusion
Suni Lee’s journey from a young girl practicing on a makeshift balance beam to an Olympic gold medalist is a story of perseverance, family support, and cultural pride. Her parents, Yeev Thoj and John Lee, have played a crucial role in her success, providing unwavering support and encouragement. Despite facing personal and community challenges, Suni continues to inspire with her achievements and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Suni Lee married?
No, Suni Lee is not married. She is currently in a relationship with Jaylin Smith, a football player at the University of Southern California.
2. Who are Suni Lee’s parents?
Suni Lee’s parents are Yeev Thoj and John Lee. They are of Hmong descent and emigrated from Laos to the United States.
3. How did Suni Lee start gymnastics?
Suni Lee began gymnastics at a young age after a family friend noticed her doing somersaults at a park and suggested enrolling her in a gymnastics class for toddlers. Her father, John, built a makeshift balance beam in their backyard to help her practice.
4. What challenges has Suni Lee faced?
Suni Lee has faced several challenges, including her father’s life-changing accident in 2019 and receiving negative comments from her Hmong-American community due to her interracial relationship. She was also a target of a racist pepper spray attack.
5. What are Suni Lee’s major achievements?
Suni Lee’s major achievements include winning the Olympic all-around title at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and winning gold with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She is the first woman of Asian descent and the first Hmong-American to win an Olympic all-around title in gymnastics.