Suni Lee on Gold Medals, Mental Health, and Changing the Sport

Who are three women that inspire you?

Younger Suni: Everything I do is for her – I look back at my younger self and see a girl who was fearless, determined, and passionate about gymnastics, and she never let doubts or setbacks stop her. I want to keep making her proud because she’s the reason I’m here today. She reminds me why I fell in love with the sport in the first place.

Billie Jean King: Billie Jean King is a true legend. She didn’t just dominate in tennis—she literally changed the game for women in sports. She fought for equality and made sure athletes like me have the opportunities we do today. Her confidence and willingness to stand up for what’s right inspire me to use my voice and never be afraid to push for change.

Eva Chen: Seeing her succeed as an Asian American woman in the fashion and media world inspires me everyday. She’s proof that hard work, passion, and staying true to yourself can open doors, and that’s something I really admire.

What is one defining moment in your career or life that empowered you to create change, and how has it shaped the path you’re on today?

Winning all-around gold at the Tokyo Olympics was a game-changer for me. It wasn’t just about the medal—it showed me how much representation matters and how my journey could inspire others, especially in the Hmong and Asian American communities. That moment gave me a platform to uplift young athletes and encourage them to chase their dreams, no matter where they come from. Since then, I’ve focused on sharing my story, mentoring others, and making gymnastics more inclusive. Now, my goal is to break barriers and prove that anything is possible if you work hard and believe in yourself. 

As we look to the future, what is one key change or innovation you believe is essential for advancing equality and empowerment in your field?

To advance equality and empowerment in gymnastics, we need to prioritize accessibility and support for athletes from all backgrounds. Gymnastics can be an expensive sport, and I believe increasing scholarships, community programs, and funding for underrepresented athletes is essential. Mental health resources are also crucial—we need to create an environment where athletes feel supported both physically and mentally. I hope to use my platform to bring awareness to these issues and push for change. Everyone deserves the chance to succeed, no matter their circumstances.

Who is a woman who has inspired or mentored you, and what lessons from her influence have stayed with you?

My mom is a huge inspiration and mentor for me. She is incredibly dedicated to her family which inspires me daily to put that kind of love and support into the world. As an immigrant, she gave up everything to come here for a better life, not only for herself, but for her future family. She’s been such a huge force behind me for my whole life, empowering me to pursue passions outside of what was the “norm” for a Hmong woman. For that, I am forever grateful.   

What is the legacy you hope to leave behind as a changemaker and leader in your industry?

I want my legacy to be about more than just medals—I want to be remembered as someone who helped open doors for others. I hope young athletes, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, see my journey and realize they can do it, too. I also want to keep pushing for change in gymnastics, making it a more supportive and inclusive sport. If I can inspire the next generation to dream big and believe in themselves, that’s what really matters to me.

In honor of Gloria Steinem’s 90 years of advocacy, what do you believe is her most enduring contribution to women’s empowerment, and how has it inspired your own journey?

Gloria Steinem has done so much for women’s empowerment, but what stands out the most is how fearless she’s been in speaking up for what’s right. She’s shown that real change happens when people use their voices and stand up for each other. That’s something I try to carry into my own journey—using my platform to inspire others, fight for inclusivity, and push for a better future. She’s proof that progress takes courage, and that’s really motivating.

What does progress for women look like in your field, and what steps do you believe are necessary to keep that momentum going?

Women in gymnastics have made huge strides, but there’s still more work to do. We need to keep pushing for equal opportunities and a culture that values mental health just as much as performance. I think real progress looks like an environment where all athletes—no matter their background—feel safe, supported, and able to chase their dreams. The more we speak up and support each other, the more change we’ll see.