On Sunday night, Olympic gymnast Sunisa ‘Suni’ Lee attended a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, where her presence coincided with an exceptional performance by Knicks forward OG Anunoby. Anunoby scored 32 points on 13-of-17 shooting, marking his tenth consecutive game with at least 20 points—a career first for him. Fans quickly attributed Anunoby’s outstanding play to Lee’s courtside presence, dubbing it the ‘Suni Effect’.
This isn’t the first time Lee’s attendance has been linked to Anunoby’s stellar performances. During her first Knicks game, the two had a brief interaction, leading fans to draw connections between her support and his on-court success.
Olympic Glory and Early Success
Born on 9 March 2003 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Suni Lee rose to global prominence at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she clinched the gold medal in the women’s all-around competition, along with a team silver and a bronze on the uneven bars. Her success continued at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she secured another gold in the team event and two bronze medals, one in the individual all-around and another in uneven bars. Her Olympic performances have firmly established her as one of the most accomplished gymnasts of her generation.
Rising Star With a Humble Start
Lee grew up in a large family with five siblings. She was raised by her mother, Yeev Thoj, and her stepfather, John Lee, who has played a pivotal role in her life. John, a Hmong immigrant from Laos, became paralysed from the chest down after a fall in 2019, yet remained one of Lee’s biggest inspirations and supporters.
Her gymnastics journey began at age six, when her father built a balance beam in their backyard. By age 11, she had qualified for elite status and soon after began competing internationally. Her early success set the foundation for an outstanding career that now includes six Olympic medals, three World Championship medals, and five U.S. Championship medals.
Battling Serious Health Challenges
Despite her accomplishments, Lee’s path has not been without challenges. In 2023, she was diagnosed with two incurable kidney diseases after experiencing extreme swelling and fatigue. Her condition forced her to leave Auburn University and withdraw from collegiate gymnastics to focus on recovery. After months of uncertainty, medication, and modified training, Lee announced in early 2024 that her condition had entered remission.
Speaking at the Team USA Media Summit in April 2024, she said, ‘I’m getting all my routines back and working on consistency… I’m way better already than I was at the last Olympics.’ Her doctor had previously told her that she might never return to gymnastics, making her comeback all the more remarkable.
Managing Eczema and Mental Health
In addition to her physical health, Lee has opened up about her struggles with eczema, a condition that has affected her confidence while competing. She also candidly discussed the mental health toll of being in the spotlight, dealing with imposter syndrome, anxiety attacks, and the pressure of public scrutiny.
She credits her return to peak form to therapy, journaling, and her supportive community. ‘My mental health is the number one priority,’ she told Women’s Health, adding that journaling has become a key part of her pre-competition routine.
Who is She Dating?
While currently not linked to anyone, Suni Lee formerly dated Jaylin Smith, a rising football star at the University of Southern California. The couple’s relationship, which began in 2021, faced racist backlash online, thus prompting them to maintain a strong but low-key relationship. Smith, who once appeared in Snoop Dogg’s Netflix docuseries ‘Coach Snoop,’ had supported Lee throughout her journey, until reports emerged late 2024 that the pair no longer follow each other on Instagram.
Lee’s story is one of perseverance, power, and pride. From a backyard balance beam to the Olympic podium, she continues to break barriers and inspire millions, reminding the world that no setback is too great to overcome with courage, community, and unwavering determination. Her journey is not only a testament to athletic excellence but a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity on the world stage.