Image Source: Getty / C. Morgan Engel / NCAA Photos
Suni Lee is officially ending her NCAA gymnastics career, the Auburn University gymnast announced on April 3. After missing several meets in March, she shared that a health issue involving her kidneys was putting a stop to her season earlier than planned. Lee previously revealed her sophomore season would be her last ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
“Auburn, thank you for the best 2 years of my life.”
“I am so proud of my team and the way they showed determination and resilience this season,” she wrote on Instagram and Twitter, alongside photos of her previous meets. “Auburn, thank you for the best 2 years of my life and for giving me the opportunity to make history alongside this amazing group. I am forever grateful for this community.”
Though Lee didn’t elaborate on her diagnosis, she shared her medical team had not cleared her to both train and compete over the past few weeks. While focusing on her health and recovery, the gymnast still plans to return to elite gymnastics soon, with an eye on the next Olympics. “I will not stop pursuing my dreams for a bid to Paris in 2024,” she continued. “In fact, this experience has sharpened my vision for the future.”
After winning her first Olympic gold medal in the all-around competition at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Lee began her NCAA career at Auburn in 2021, following a memorable run on “Dancing With the Stars.” Throughout the past two seasons, Lee won an individual NCAA title on the balance beam, placed second in the all-around, and led her team to the 2022 NCAA championships.
“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. war eagle forever,” Lee ended her announcement. Read her statement in full ahead.
Image Source: Instagram user sunisalee