"Being able to prove my doctor wrong was an amazing experience" - Suni Lee joins noble cause after defeating two rare kidney diseases

Suni Lee was told at the start of her diagnosis that she wouldn't be able to do gymnastics again. However, the 21-year-old has since defeated both of her kidney diseases, won three Olympic medals, and has now joined the fight against kidney ailments.

Lee was diagnosed with two rare kidney diseases after suddenly gaining 45 pounds in a span of two weeks in 2023. She ended her career at Auburn University prematurely and withdrew from the elite events as well.

The 21-year-old was initially told by the doctors that she wouldn't be able to continue her gymnastics career and was unsure of her participation in the Olympics at the start of 2024. However, she managed to get in better health in time and qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024.

Lee won a gold medal and two bronze medals in Paris and has been enjoying her time off at various events, including fashion shows, and recently the CDFA awards. The 21-year-old has also announced a partnership with American Kidney Fund to help spread awareness about kidney ailments.

Speaking in an interview with OK Magazine following her announcement, she expressed her delight in being able to prove her doctors wrong.

"It feels really good. I always find myself having to step back and realize how amazing it is that I'm in this position because I was told I was never going to be able to do gymnastics again, so being able to prove my doctor wrong was probably one of the most amazing experiences," she said.

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Suni Lee details important role of her coaches in her Olympic glory

Olympic Games Paris 2024: Suni Lee competes during her floor routine (Source: Getty)

Suni Lee expressed gratitude to her gymnastics coaches for taking care of her like her parents during her preparation for the Olympics while recovering from kidney issues. Lee said that they were extra careful with her, constantly asking her if she was feeling okay.

"My coaches never had to coach someone who has dealt with kidney disease, so having them there was great. They were like, 'What can you do today? What can you not do? How's your body feeling?' I think the most important thing was that they cared for me more as a person than they did as an athlete," Suni Lee told Morning Honey.

She added:

"They loved me like my parents do, and it was really nice knowing that I didn't have to be perfect all the time because in gymnastics you are always competing in front of a really big crowd."

The 21-year-old is currently out of training and while she hasn't ruled out an appearance at the 2028 L.A. Olympics, she isn't sure of competing either.