Suni Lee was at her highest high after clinching the three medals, including a women’s all-round gymnastic gold for the United States in Tokyo 2020.
She went to Los Angeles to compete on Dancing With The Stars, before returning to compete for another year and a half at Auburn University. Lee was at her healthiest best when she announced her plans to participate at Paris 2024.
But things changed quickly as her body started swelling. And after fews tests, including biopsy, she was diagnosed wit two rare kidney diseases.
“One of the most overwhelming feelings when I was diagnosed with kidney disease was loneliness,” Lee wrote in a first-person essay for Women’s Health magazine.
“I felt like no one understood what I was going through, and the doctors weren’t listening to me. But since sharing my kidney disease journey, I’ve received an overwhelming number of supportive and heartfelt messages from an entire community of people living with kidney disease. I realized that I’m not alone,” she added.
Situations had taken a U-turn for her. It also helped her learn a lot.
“I have learned through the high highs and low lows that I will never be the Suni I was before – because I am a stronger Suni than I ever thought I could be,” Lee said. “When it comes to your health, it is so important to advocate for yourself, to use your voice even when it is shaking.”
The diseases shaped her character as these days she doesn’t takes any pressure of goals and rather goes about enjoying life.
“These days, I’m taking some time for myself, without the pressure of a huge goal, for the first time in my life. I’m exploring new passions, like fashion and acting, and having fun with the unknown right now,” Lee said.