Suni Lee: Hmong American Champion’s Kidney Disease & Net Worth

When Suni Lee stepped onto the Olympic podium in Tokyo, she wasn’t just winning gold—she was rewriting what resilience looks like for a generation. Here’s what’s confirmed, what’s still unfolding, and what the data actually says about her journey.

Full Name: Sunisa Phabsomphou Lee ·
Birthdate: March 9, 2003 ·
Hometown: Saint Paul, Minnesota ·
Olympic Medals: 6 (2 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze)

Six key facts, one pattern: Suni Lee’s story sits at the intersection of athletic excellence, cultural legacy, and medical resilience—each layer adding complexity to a biography that’s still being written.

What ethnicity is Suni Lee?

Her Hmong heritage

Suni Lee is Hmong American—a distinction that carries deep cultural weight. She is widely described as the first Hmong American to win Olympic gold, a milestone that PBS NewsHour (public broadcasting service) noted was especially meaningful to the Hmong community across the United States. Her parents, who emigrated from Laos, raised her in Saint Paul, Minnesota, a city with one of the largest Hmong populations in the country.

Coverage in 2021 framed Lee’s gold as a beacon of Hmong American pride. NPR (national public radio) highlighted how her victory resonated beyond gymnastics, representing visibility for a community often overlooked in mainstream American sports narratives.

Family background and immigration

Lee was born in 2003 and was 18 during the Tokyo Olympics, as noted by ELLE (women’s lifestyle magazine). Her parents are from Laos, part of the Hmong diaspora that fled the country after the Laotian Civil War and the Vietnam War. The family settled in the Midwest, where Lee began gymnastics training as a child—a path that would eventually lead to Olympic history.

The implication: Lee’s heritage remains a defining layer of her public narrative, one that will continue to resonate as her career evolves.

Is Suni Lee in a relationship?

Current relationship status

Suni Lee has not publicly confirmed a relationship as of 2025. According to Biography (authoritative biographical database), the Olympic gymnast keeps her personal life largely private, and no verified romantic partner has been acknowledged in interviews or public appearances.

This lack of confirmation doesn’t necessarily mean she’s single—it means the public record lacks evidence. Unlike some peers who share relationships on social media, Lee has maintained boundaries around her private life, a choice that aligns with her focus on training and recovery.

Past rumors

Suni Lee was rumored to be dating OG Anunoby, a professional basketball player, but this has not been confirmed by either party. These rumors emerged from fan speculation on social media, without any primary source backing from Lee or Anunoby. Media outlets have not independently verified the connection, placing it in the unconfirmed category.

The pattern: Lee’s personal boundaries reflect a deliberate separation between public achievement and private life, a choice that many athletes are increasingly making.

What chronic illness does Suni Lee have?

Kidney disease diagnosis

Suni Lee was diagnosed with two forms of kidney disease in 2023, according to TODAY (morning news and lifestyle program). The diagnosis came as a shock to the gymnast, who had been training for a return to elite competition after her historic 2021 Olympic performance. The condition was described publicly as rare and incurable in 2024 coverage by TODAY.

We confirmed that Lee disclosed the kidney disease diagnosis in 2023 and later returned to competition after medical clearance.

American Kidney Fund, press release

Symptoms and treatment

While specific symptoms have not been detailed extensively by Lee in interviews, the condition reportedly affected her energy levels and training capacity. The exact treatment protocol remains private, but Lee has indicated that managing the disease required significant adjustments to her lifestyle and gymnastics regimen. By April 2024, NBC Olympics (Olympic broadcaster) reported that Lee was in remission and back to a consistent training schedule.

Impact on gymnastics career

Suni Lee told Biography that her kidney disease diagnosis was a difficult chapter: “It was really hard because I’ve never been so far from the sport, and it felt like it was being taken away from me.” She said in 2024 that her kidney disease was in remission, according to NBC Olympics. The disease affected her training for the 2024 Olympics, but she did return to the Paris games after her recovery period. South China Morning Post (major English-language news outlet) covered her return, noting the resilience required to compete at the highest level while managing a serious health condition.

What is Suni Lee’s religion?

Religious beliefs

Suni Lee identifies as Christian, according to Biography (authoritative biographical database). However, the specific denomination within Christianity has not been publicly specified. Lee has not emphasized her faith in interviews as prominently as some other athletes, but the identification is consistent across biographical sources.

The connection between her Hmong upbringing and Christian faith reflects a broader pattern: many Hmong Americans, particularly those from families that settled in the United States after the Vietnam War, have adopted Christianity while retaining elements of traditional Hmong spiritual practices. Lee’s personal blend of these influences remains private, but the Christian identification is documented.

Is Suni Lee a millionaire?

Net worth estimate

Media outlets in 2025 estimated Lee’s net worth at about $5 million, but this figure is not confirmed by primary financial filings. Times of India (major English-language daily) reported the estimate, attributing the figure to Celebrity Net Worth and listing sponsorships, Olympic prize money, tours, TV appearances, and college gymnastics as income sources.

Suni Lee’s net worth is estimated at over $1 million by other sources, making her a millionaire in estimated terms. The exact figure varies depending on the estimation methodology and whether endorsement deals are included at full value or reduced for agent fees and taxes.

Income sources

Lee has major endorsement deals that contribute significantly to her earnings. Brands such as Athleta and Spieth America have partnered with her, leveraging her Olympic profile and cultural significance. Olympic medal bonuses—which vary by country and medal type—also provide substantial income. In addition, Lee competed in college gymnastics at Auburn University, which, while largely non-professional for NCAA athletes at the time, included name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities that added to her earnings.

The pattern: net worth estimates for athletes often vary widely, and Lee’s true financial picture remains private.

What’s next for Suni Lee?

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

Quotes from Suni Lee

It was really hard because I’ve never been so far from the sport, and it felt like it was being taken away from me.

Suni Lee, speaking to Biography (authoritative biographical database) about her kidney disease diagnosis

Suni Lee told NBC Olympics that she wasn’t ready to give up gymnastics, emphasizing the sport’s importance to her. (NBC Olympics, Olympic broadcaster)

The pattern across Lee’s public statements: she frames her health crisis not as an ending, but as a reset. For a 22-year-old who already has an Olympic gold medal, the next chapter isn’t about proving she can win again—it’s about proving she can live well while competing on her own terms.

For more context on Suni Lees health and background, her Olympic journey began with a historic all-around gold in Tokyo before she faced significant health challenges.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Chloe Kim: Biography, Olympic Medals, and Net Worth
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For American gymnasts and the broader sports community, the implication is clear: Suni Lee’s career is a case study in how chronic illness and elite competition can coexist, but only with medical management, public transparency, and a support system that few athletes have. The next question isn’t whether she’ll medal again—it’s how she’ll define success on her own terms, kidney disease and all.