Suni Lee sends one-word message to 'sister' Kayla DiCello on 21st birthday

Suni Lee wished her Team USA teammate Kayla DiCello on her 21st birthday and called the gymnast her sister. The duo were set to compete together at the 2024 Paris Olympics before DiCello suffered an Achilles injury at the Olympic Trials.

DiCello is still recovering after undergoing surgery in December and celebrated her 21st birthday with close friends on Saturday, January 25. The 2023 World Champion shared glimpses from the party on Instagram and wrote:

"21 w a boot 😚✨"

Lee, who has competed alongside DiCello for several years, gushed over the gymnast and commented:

"angel."

Suni Lee comment

The 2020 all-around Olympic champion also penned a heartfelt birthday note for DiCello earlier and said she was grateful to have her in her life.

"Happy birthday sisterrr!! 💓 grateful to have in my life.love you 💛," Suni Lee wrote

Lee's Instagram story

Lee, who also endured a tough year in 2023 with two kidney diseases, was supportive of DiCello during her recovery and went on to make up for her absence at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 21-year-old led the USA to the gold medal in the team competition alongside Simone Biles and won bronze medals in the all-around and uneven bars competitions.

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"It’s definitely taught me that I’m a lot stronger than I think I am" - Suni Lee on kidney ailment

Snap Partner Summit 2024 - Suni Lee in attendance - Source: Getty

Suni Lee was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease in 2023, and not only did the gymnast have to withdraw from all competitions, but she ended her collegiate career at Auburn University as well. The 21-year-old was unsure of her participation in the Olympic Games at the start of the year, and after making the Olympic team, Lee said the journey had shown her that she was stronger than she thought.

"It’s definitely taught me and shown me that I’m a lot stronger than I think I am. I’ve gone through a lot this year…. It’s just crazy to think about," she told Olympics.com

After winning three medals including a gold in Paris, the gymnast took pride in her turnaround and told People:

"Looking back, I'm just so proud of myself for making it onto the team. It's been such a crazy year, so I'm really, really proud of myself."

While Lee has hinted at not stretching her career till the 2028 LA Olympics, she hasn't ruled out an appearance either. However, she is likely to take a break in the 2025 season.