Olympic gold medalist gymnast Suni Lee recently announced she is ending her college career at Auburn University following a sudden health condition.
Suni Lee Announces College Career Retirement, But is Excited to Perform in the 2024 Olympics
The 20-year-old Team USA athlete took to Twitter and told fans around the word that she was experiencing “a non-gymnastics related issue involving my kidneys”, resulting in a premature retirement from college gymnastics. After her team refused to clear her for training in order to preserve her health, she knew it was time to step away from the sport.
“For my safety, the medical team did not clear me to train and compete over the last few weeks,” Lee wrote in a statement shared on social media. “I am blessed and thankful to be working with the best specialized medical team to treat and manage my diagnosis.”
“My focus at this time is my health and recovery.”
Within the content of her announcement, the gymnast also recognized how important her school was for the advancement of her career and building community.
“I am so proud of my team and the way they showed determination and resilience this season. Auburn, thank you for the best 2 years of my life and for giving me the opportunity to make history alongside this amazing group,” she said.
“I am forever grateful for this amazing opportunity.”
“It’s been challenging to end my Auburn career early, but I am thankful for all of the love & support,” Lee continued. “I appreciate all the love and support, and I want to especially thank my doctors, coaches, and the Auburn medical staff for their care during this time.”
Suni Lee discusses the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics
During the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Lee made her Olympic debut and quickly established dominance throughout the entire competition. She concluded her first games with a gold medal in the all-around competition and a bronze medal for uneven bars.
With this being said, many were left wondering if her medical condition would hinder an opportunity to perform in the 2024 Olympics which are taking place in Paris, France.
Not to fret, Lee confirmed she is expecting to perform at the upcoming Games and is dedicating this off time to ensuring her body will be ready for competition. “I will not stop pursuing my dreams for a bid to Paris in 2024,” she explained.
“In fact, this experience has sharpened my vision for the future.”
The gymnast then concluded her statement by noting she will be a “war eagle forever.”
Contents
- 1 Suni Lee Announces College Career Retirement, But is Excited to Perform in the 2024 Olympics
- 2 “My focus at this time is my health and recovery.”
- 3 “I am forever grateful for this amazing opportunity.”
- 4 Suni Lee discusses the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics
- 5 “In fact, this experience has sharpened my vision for the future.”
