Gold medalist gymnast Suni Lee recently shared that she gained 45 pounds as a result of her kidney illness. The 5-foot-tall star, who achieved Olympic success in Tokyo in 2020, disclosed this information in an interview with USA Today. Lee revealed her health struggles only a few months after leaving Auburn to address her condition.
Key Takeaway
Suni Lee, the Olympic gold medalist, has revealed that her kidney illness caused her to gain 45 pounds. Despite the challenges, Lee is determined to overcome her health issues and continue pursuing her dreams of competing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Lee expressed her apprehension about the situation, stating, “I couldn’t fit into any of my clothes. My eyes were swollen shut. It was just so scary.” However, she also mentioned that she is now on the path to recovery. According to USA Today, she looks “very much like the gymnast” she was three years ago during the Games.
Adapting to New Challenges
Lee described the difficulties she faced when her symptoms were at their worst. She recounted waking up with swollen fingers and being unable to hold onto the gymnastic bar. Her whole body was swollen due to water retention, preventing her from performing flips. Despite these obstacles, she persevered and learned to adapt to her changing body.
As part of her journey towards better health, Lee made changes to her diet, particularly reducing her sodium intake. This adjustment has allowed her to rekindle her ambition to compete for more medals at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. However, she acknowledged the ongoing challenge of finding a balance, as she experiences both good and bad days in terms of her health.
Looking Ahead
With the Olympic trials scheduled to begin in June in Minneapolis, Lee remains focused on her training and recovery. She emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunities presented by her good days, while also prioritizing her safety on the bad days. Seeking this equilibrium will be an ongoing process for Lee as she prepares for the next stage of her gymnastics career.
