Suni Lee forged a path of fire to enter the Paris Olympics, defying the odds in true champion style. We’re talking about someone battling not one but two incurable kidney diseases that sidelined her for nearly a year and even cut her college gymnastics career short. But hey, her love for the sport didn’t just fade. She was determined to compete again on the world’s biggest stage. And she did!
After an absolutely grueling road to recovery, Suni made it to her second Olympics in Paris, grabbing three medals to add to her Tokyo stash. Six Olympic medals in two Games—who wouldn’t be thrilled, right? Well, apparently, fans still wanted more.
During a recent Q&A on Snapchat, one fan dropped the million-dollar question: “LA 2028?” But Suni Lee’s response broke a few hearts. She replied, “Everyone is asking this, but guys, my body hurts. 🥲🥺 this sport kills me, ahhh.” By the time LA 2028 rolls around, Suni Lee will be 25—a young adult in the real world but practically a seasoned veteran in the world of gymnastics.
In a sport where many female gymnasts retire in their late teens or early twenties, 25 is definitely up there. Typically, female gymnasts call it quits in their mid-twenties while their male counterparts hang on a bit longer, into their mid- to late-twenties. And Suni isn’t alone in feeling the weight of this sport’s ticking clock.
Even Simone Biles, despite being only 27, has been the subject of endless retirement speculation. When Jimmy Fallon asked Simone Biles if she was thinking about competing at the upcoming LA Olympics, she didn’t shy away from bringing up her age. “First, I’m getting older. 27 is a little bit old for a gymnast,” the world champion admitted.
In an interview as well, the GOAT touched on the short shelf life of gymnastics careers, saying, “In gymnastics, the longevity has never been there. This isn’t normal what we’re doing.” Clearly, both Biles and Suni are pushing the boundaries of what’s considered possible, but they also know when it’s time to listen to their bodies.
Suni Lee’s emotional confession about her return to the Olympic stage blew up on Reddit, and fans had a lot to say—most of them on her side. Many users were quick to defend her, saying it’s time people stop pestering her with endless questions about her future.
Fans have a lot to say about Suni Lee’s decision about the LA Olympics
Reddit’s got Suni Lee’s back after her viral confession about returning to the Olympic stage. One user nailed it when they said, “I wish they’d leave her alone about it! With kidney diseases and pain from the sport, let her rest.” Suni’s journey to the Paris Olympics was nothing short of a miracle, given everything she went through. After her diagnosis, she wasn’t just struggling with her signature jaw-dropping gymnastics moves—she was barely able to walk up the stairs. Competing in Paris seemed nearly impossible, yet somehow she pulled it off. But expecting her to do it all again for LA 2028? That’s a big ask.
Another user summed it up perfectly: “Chronic illnesses are brutal for ordinary people; I can’t imagine being an elite athlete and doing one of the hardest on-your-body sports.” Suni’s double kidney diagnosis in 2023 forced her to retire from college gymnastics, and her whole body took a hit. She gained about 40 pounds and couldn’t train, leaving her a lot weaker. By April, she announced she was in remission and back to training, but the road wasn’t easy. The meds were so harsh that her coaches kept buckets nearby for her to throw up during practice. It’s no wonder she might not be eager to go through all that again in four years.
One user smartly pointed out, “Sure, I am certain that all the girls would love a chance to experience the Olympics again. But I think it’s insane to expect them to know what’s going to happen at this stage.” And they’ve got a point—it’s barely been two months since Paris. These athletes probably haven’t even processed what just happened, so why the rush to ask about LA 2028? Especially for Suni, who has to weigh her health first and foremost. Four years is a long time for any athlete, let alone someone dealing with chronic illness.
Another fan chimed in with a hopeful yet grounded take, “Would love to see her get another medal in 2028. Her health and well-being should always come first, though.” And that’s the heart of it, right? Suni’s already got six Olympic medals under her belt—she’s a proven champion. If she’s able to make a comeback and add to her tally in LA, that would be incredible. But no one should expect her to push her body to the breaking point just to get there. At the end of the day, whether or not Suni Lee competes in LA 2028, her legacy is already cemented.
