Suni Lee Ethnicity: Biography, Net Worth, Movies, Age, Boyfriend, Height, Weight

Sunisa ‘Suni’ Lee is a name that has become synonymous with perseverance, excellence, and groundbreaking achievement in the world of gymnastics. Born on March 9, 2003, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Lee has risen to international prominence as an Olympic champion and a trailblazer for the Hmong-American community.

In 2020, she won the Olympic gold medal in the all-around gymnastics competition. This historic achievement not only catapulted her to stardom but also made her the first Hmong-American to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. At just 22 years old, Suni Lee’s career is already marked by a series of extraordinary accomplishments, from her Olympic triumphs to her continued success in collegiate gymnastics.

Her resilience in the face of personal and health challenges, her advocacy for young athletes, and her determination to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport make her an inspiring figure. Join us as we explore the incredible life of Suni Lee, her rise to fame, the milestones that have defined her career, and the legacy she is building for future generations.

Full Name

Sunisa Phabsomphou Lee, known as Suni Lee, was born on March 9, 2003, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. While many know her as Suni Lee, her full name reflects her Hmong heritage, as ‘Phabsomphou’ is a name from her father’s side of the family. She is an athlete of Hmong descent, and her story has resonated with many in the Hmong-American community, serving as an inspiring example of breaking barriers and achieving greatness.

Age

At just 22 years old, Suni Lee has already achieved more than most athletes do in an entire lifetime. Born in 2003, she has spent over half of her life honing her skills and competing at the highest levels of gymnastics, with no sign of slowing down. Her accomplishments, especially her Olympic gold medal at such a young age, have firmly cemented her as a rising star in the world of sports.

Occupation

Suni Lee is an elite artistic gymnast, specializing in the uneven bars and balance beam. Her gymnastic career began at a young age, and her early talent was undeniable. Lee is known for her exceptional technical ability, strength, and artistry in gymnastics.

Her performances on the world stage have earned her recognition as one of the sport’s brightest stars. Beyond her athletic career, Lee has also ventured into the entertainment world, appearing on the popular TV show Dancing with the Stars, further expanding her influence beyond gymnastics.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Suni Lee’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This impressive figure is the result of her success in gymnastics, endorsement deals with major brands such as L’Oréal, Amazon, and SKIMS, and her appearance on Dancing with the Stars.

Her commercial appeal has grown significantly since her Olympic success, and her brand continues to grow as she explores new opportunities within and outside of the sport.

Family Background

Suni Lee hails from a family with deep ties to the Hmong-American community. Her father, John Lee, was born in Laos and moved to the United States with his family. Suni’s mother, Yeev Thoj, is also of Hmong descent.

Raised in the close-knit Hmong community of Minnesota, Suni’s family has been an immense source of support throughout her life and career. Her parents, especially her father, played an integral role in her gymnastics journey, with John Lee building a homemade balance beam for his daughter to practice on when she was just six years old.

This support system has remained a constant source of inspiration for Suni, and she has often spoken about how much her family means to her.

Partner

Suni Lee is currently in a relationship with Jaylin Smith, a football player at the University of Southern California. The couple went public with their relationship in December 2021, and Suni has frequently shared posts about their relationship on social media.

Although their interracial relationship has faced some challenges, including backlash from members of the Hmong-American community, Suni and Jaylin have remained strong and supportive of each other. Suni has been vocal about her desire to pave the way for more acceptance of interracial relationships and has expressed pride in her relationship with Jaylin.

<>Career Journey

Suni Lee’s career in gymnastics began at the age of six when she started training at the Midwest Gymnastics Center in Minnesota. By the time she was 11, she had already qualified as an elite gymnast, competing in national competitions.

Her breakthrough came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she won the gold medal in the women’s all-around gymnastics competition, becoming the first Hmong-American to win a gold medal in gymnastics. She also earned a bronze medal on the uneven bars.

She contributed to the U.S. women’s gymnastics team’s silver medal in the team competition. Lee’s Olympic triumph was a moment of pure joy not only for her but for the entire Hmong-American community, who rallied behind her in support.

Her victory came during a time when the gymnastics world was dominated by superstars like Simone Biles, and Suni Lee’s ability to rise to the occasion, take on the pressure, and deliver a flawless performance was a testament to her skill, poise, and mental toughness. Since the Tokyo Olympics, Lee has continued to compete at the highest levels.

She joined the Auburn University gymnastics team, where she won NCAA championships and individual titles, including a balance beam championship. Lee has also competed in the World Championships, where she earned several medals and solidified her reputation as one of the world’s top gymnasts.

Despite a kidney disease diagnosis in 2023, Lee remains committed to her sport and is expected to return to elite competition in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Leadership Style

As a leader, Suni Lee is known for her resilience and unwavering focus. Her ability to perform under pressure and lead her teammates during major international competitions has earned her the respect of both her peers and coaches.

Lee is also a role model for young athletes, especially in the Hmong-American community, where she is viewed as a trailblazer. She has used her platform to advocate for young athletes facing challenges and health issues, sharing her journey with kidney disease to inspire others.

Her leadership style is centered on determination, hard work, and empathy. Her teammates have highlighted Lee’s supportive nature, and her ability to motivate others is one of the key reasons she continues to succeed both individually and as part of a team.

Key Achievements:

• 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Gold medal in the women’s all-around gymnastics competition, bronze in the uneven bars, and silver in the team competition.
• 2024 Paris Olympics: Lee is expected to compete for another chance at gold medals in team and individual events, including a potential podium finish in the all-around and uneven bars.
• World Championships: Multiple medals across different events, including a first-place finish in the 2021 World Championships.
• NCAA Gymnastics: NCAA balance beam champion and SEC uneven bars champion during her time at Auburn University.
• Awards: Named Sportswoman of the Year by the Women’s Sports Foundation, Time 100 honoree in 2021 for her impact on gymnastics and representation of the Hmong community.

Controversies

Despite her many successes, Suni Lee has faced some challenges outside of gymnastics. One of the more notable controversies involved her interracial relationship with Jaylin Smith. While Lee has publicly addressed the backlash she received from some in the Hmong-American community, she continues to stand by her relationship, emphasizing the importance of love and acceptance.

In 2023, Lee was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, which temporarily sidelined her from elite gymnastics. However, she took this time to focus on her health, and her resilience in the face of this setback only further solidified her place as a role model for young athletes.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Suni Lee is focused on both her gymnastics career and expanding her brand. She plans to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she is expected to aim for more gold medals and further solidify her legacy. Outside of gymnastics, Lee is exploring opportunities in brand partnerships, acting, and advocacy work. She is passionate about supporting young athletes, particularly those facing health challenges. She continues to use her platform to promote mental health awareness and resilience.

Conclusion

Suni Lee’s story is one of determination, courage, and triumph. From a young gymnast in Minnesota to an Olympic gold medalist, Lee’s journey serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans worldwide. Her contributions to gymnastics, her advocacy for health and wellness, and her role as a trailblazer in the Hmong-American community make her one of the most important figures in modern sports.

As Suni Lee continues to break barriers and inspire the next generation of athletes, her legacy is just beginning. Her resilience, work ethic, and dedication to her craft make her not only an Olympic champion but a true role model for the world.

Stay updated on Suni Lee’s latest achievements and plans by following her on social media and supporting her journey as she continues to make history. The best is yet to come for this incredible gymnast, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!