"Always been a dream to compete in front of a home crowd"-Suni Lee shows excitement for 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Team Trials

Suni Lee expressed excitement over her upcoming Olympic Trials stint in front of her home crowd. Fresh off her all-around fourth finish at the 2024 US Gymnastics Championships, Lee is in anticipation of her second consecutive Olympic entry.

Suni Lee, 21, earned three medals at the 2019 World Championships, gold in team, silver in the floor exercise, and bronze in the uneven bars. Soon after, she finished with all-around gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which catapulted her gymnastics career to the top of the charts.

The 21-year-old decided to end her collegiate career in 2022-23 but had to exit prematurely due to kidney issues, diagnosed in March 2023. Months later, she outdid Simone Biles at the 2023 US Classic by scoring 14.600 for the gold.

In 2024, Suni Lee finished first on the balance beam at the US Classic, days after clinching the balance beam gold at the American Classic. At the Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships, despite wobbly routines, she finished fourth overall, therefore booking a seat at the US Olympic Team Trials, slated for June 27-30, 2024.

Taking to her Instagram stories, Lee shared the official Team Trials poster of Team USA featuring the 16 women posing in GK Elite leotards. Her caption read:

"mpls it's UP!! see you at target center!! always been a dream to compete in front of a home crowd"

Suni Lee; Instagram - @sunisalee

Interestingly, the venue is in Minnesota, Lee's hometown. On the run for her second Olympic team, the three-time World medalist will be in contention with the likes of Simone Biles, Shilese Jones, Jordan Chiles, and 12 other gymnasts.

"I learned that nothing's going to stop me" - Suni Lee on her regained confidence after a difficult year

Suni Lee gained 40 pounds after being diagnosed with a kidney issue since she was away from the gymnastic mat for a long. She could barely move or fit into any clothes, which resulted in her frustration level peaking. Resorting to therapy, she learned to cope with her illness and slowly get back to the mat.

At the US Classic in August last year, she marked her comeback. That event was an emotional ride since her doctors weren't sure if she would do it. Persevering through hardships, Lee performed to remind herself of her abilities.

"I learned that nothing's going to stop me. If I want something, I'm going to put my head into it and I'm going to get it. I kept telling myself that I wasn't going to be able to do it and I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it again." (via E-News)

Lee will look to execute the "full twisting Jaeger" in the uneven bars to bring the skill under her name.