How Olympians Suni Lee and Simone Biles Support Each Other

As a fellow athlete and someone who has faced my own fair share of challenges, I can truly appreciate Suni Lee’s journey. Her resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit are nothing short of inspiring. From overcoming a kidney issue that cut her collegiate career short to battling eczema with grace and openness, she has shown us all what it means to push through adversity.

The bond we share is as strong and reliable as the precious metal gold, as evidenced by gymnasts like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera.

“Suni shared with Hoda Kotb from Today that we united and it was extraordinarily meaningful as the U.S. women’s gymnastics team claimed gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 30, fulfilling our aspiration of redemption following a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Suni emphasized, ‘We knew how much we yearned for this victory.’ The bond among these athletes was evident as they encouraged each other, exchanged triumphant embraces, and brainstormed TikTok ideas. Now, Suni and Simone are aiming to increase their medal count in the women’s all-around final on Aug. 1. They will create history by competing in this event together, being the first time two Olympic all-around gold medalists participate.”

Although this particular event might be an individual contest, it doesn’t necessarily disrupt Suni and Simone’s mutual support, as demonstrated by their journey towards the 2024 Olympic team. For instance, they inspired one another during the U.S. Gymnastics Championships back in June.

“In a special interview, Suni expressed that our goal is to help each other thrive,” Suni shared with TopMob News. “Although we all aim for the same success, we also cheer each other on because we recognize the extraordinary abilities within each of us. We’re aware of the challenges and struggles faced daily in this field, so having mutual support and knowing you can rely on one another has been incredibly beneficial – it’s not always found.”

If you find yourself needing a reminder, following Suni’s execution of one and a half twists instead of two in her vault routine at the national championships (and failing to land properly), Simone quickly responded. This situation was similar to what the five-time gold medalist encountered during the 2020 Games when she experienced “twisties.”

During a press conference, Simone reminisced about the moment after Suni jumped, stating, “I had a clear sense of what she must have been feeling at that time.” Having experienced similar situations in Tokyo, she felt confident in her understanding that Suni required motivation and someone to trust her gymnastics abilities. Consequently, I chose to offer both encouragement and faith in her skills, believing in her potential.

Following a comforting word, Simone moved to cheer Suni on during her bar performance, enthusiastically high-fiving her upon the conclusion of her routine.

Suni explained to reporters, as reported by USA Today, that she believed the person knew she required assistance at that particular moment. Given their understanding of what she had done on the vault, they were ideally positioned to do so. They simply checked on her well-being and provided encouragement to help regain her confidence. At that point, Suni felt that her performance was failing, but having them there for support was truly comforting, and they have been incredibly supportive ever since.

At the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, Simone emerged victorious in the women’s all-around competition, while Suni finished in fourth place. Both gymnasts will compete together in the Olympic Team Trials later that same month for a chance to represent the United States at the 2024 Olympics.

As we approach the trials, TopMob, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pressure. It’s been looming over me more than ever lately, yet strangely, it doesn’t quite weigh as heavily as before. You see, I’ve been making a conscious effort to alleviate that burden and remind myself why I’m here – for the love of what I do and for my personal journey. Over the past two years, I’ve battled through so much, and I never thought I’d make it this far.

2023 saw me, Suni, grappling with a challenging kidney problem that unfortunately curtailed my gymnastics journey at Auburn University prematurely. Yet, I’m proud to share that I’ve been declared fit as a fiddle by TopMob. However, I’m making a conscious effort not to dwell excessively on what might lie ahead, choosing instead to savor the present moments.

The gymnast expressed, “Qualifying for the Olympic team is undeniably a cherished aspiration. However, for now, my concentration lies on today’s practice sessions. That’s been my main priority—keeping my focus on the immediate tasks at hand and not allowing myself to get overly anxious about what may come later, as I could easily become overwhelmed and experience a mental breakdown.”

And so Suni continued to take care of both her physical and mental health.

She mentioned, “I keep a journal, I attend therapy sessions,” she continued, “and this has been the most significant transformation for me because there was a great deal of self-doubt, pressure, and uncertainty about the origins of my feelings. To be able to discuss these emotions openly, express them, and understand that it’s alright not to always feel okay, is truly empowering.”

Suni has benefited from sharing her experience in dealing with eczema, as well. Not long ago, this 21-year-old joined forces with Eli Lilly and Company, a partner to Team USA focusing on health equity, to assist others who share the same diagnosis and foster feelings of not being alone in their struggle.

Suni expressed that the beginning was challenging due to persistent feelings of insecurity and embarrassment about having eczema, making it hard for her to admit or show the symptoms. She mentioned that when she experienced flare-ups, she would try to hide them with makeup, but this only worsened the situation. However, she’s found comfort in discussing her condition openly and collaborating with Lilly, which has significantly boosted her self-confidence and allowed her to accept herself more fully.

She went on to say, “I believe the idea I want to convey to upcoming generations is one that wasn’t discussed much when I was young. Being someone they might aspire to is an incredibly rewarding experience overall.”

Regardless if the Olympic athlete wins additional awards, she is proud of her journey so far.

“Suni expressed, ‘I feel like I deserve an award for not quitting,’ given all the challenges she faced. She could have easily given up on so many occasions, but instead, she chose to strive for more and ensure she didn’t leave any stones unturned in her Olympic journey. She wanted to look back without any regrets, knowing that she gave it her all.”

Suni has found it beneficial to share her experience in dealing with eczema, and now at age 21, she’s teamed up with Eli Lilly and Company (a partner of Team USA focusing on health equity) to support others who face the same condition, making them feel less isolated.

Suni shared, “At first, I found it tough due to constant feelings of insecurity and embarrassment about having eczema. Whenever a flare-up occurred and it was hard to hide, I’d use makeup to conceal it, which unfortunately worsened the condition. However, discussing my struggles and collaborating with Lilly has been incredibly empowering for me mentally. It’s boosted my confidence in my skin, allowing me to accept and embrace eczema now.”

She went on to say, “I believe that’s the message I want to convey to upcoming generations, as I feel this topic wasn’t widely discussed when I was young. To serve as a role model for others is truly an uplifting experience altogether.”

Regardless if the Olympian wins additional trophies, she takes pride in her journey and progress.

Suni expressed, “I feel like I deserve a medal for not quitting, given all the challenges I’ve faced. So much could have led me to throw in the towel and abandon this journey. However, I yearned for more, and I wanted to leave the Olympics or this quad with no regrets, knowing that I gave my best in every situation.”

2024-08-01 15:18

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