Suni Lee is only 23 years old and already has six Olympic medals to her name. Now she's ready to chase more.
The American gymnast announced on Instagram that she's returning to the sport after taking time off since the 2024 Paris Olympics. In a video posted to her account, Lee simply wrote "I'm back" — a three-word message that sent excitement through the gymnastics world.
In a voiceover on the video, Lee explained her reasoning: "I know what I'm capable of. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get there. Back in the gym. We'll see." The video ends with a bold teaser: "This is more than a comeback, stay tuned."
Lee's medal record is remarkable. At the Paris 2024 Games, she helped Team USA win gold, while also earning bronze medals in the all-around and on the uneven bars. Four years earlier at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics — held in 2021 due to the pandemic — she won gold in the all-around, silver with the team, and bronze on the uneven bars. That makes six Olympic medals before turning 24.
Her comeback comes two years before the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which will be held in her home country. The timing gives Lee a clear target to work toward. Teammate Jade Carey, another American who won medals in both Tokyo and Paris, recently returned to competition after a similar break — suggesting this might be a path some gymnasts take between Olympic cycles.
For fans watching, Lee's announcement signals she's not done pushing herself. After years of grueling training and competition at the highest level, she chose to step away — and now she's choosing to come back. With the LA Games on the horizon, the countdown has begun.