We have a new Olympic champion in women’s gymnastics.
Sunisa “Suni” Lee won the individual all-around on Thursday, becoming the fifth consecutive American to win the event since the 2004 Olympics. Lee, who is the first Hmong-American to compete as an Olympic gymnast, excelled on the uneven bars and balance beam and showcased a strong performance in the floor exercise.
Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade secured the silver medal, while Russian gymnast Angelina Melnikova earned the bronze.
Simone Biles, the defending Olympic champion, did not participate this time. She withdrew from the event due to mental-health concerns, although she was present to support her teammates Lee and Jade Carey from the stands.
This victory marks the second medal for the 18-year-old Lee at these Olympics, having also won a silver in the team all-around competition.
“This is such a surreal moment,” she expressed in a press conference following her triumph. “I just feel like I could have never been here ever. It doesn’t even feel like real life.”
Lee is congratulated by teammate Jade Carey after winning the gold. Dylan Martinez/ReutersLee takes a selfie with silver medalist Rebeca Andrade, center, and bronze medalist Angelina Melnikova. Andrade is the first Brazilian to ever medal in women’s gymnastics. Melnikova is Russian. Gregory Bull/APLee started her day on the vault, where she put up the field’s fifth-best score.An overhead shot of Lee on the uneven bars. Morry Gash/APLee celebrates after her performance on the uneven bars. Lee had the best score on that apparatus.Lee soars in the air during the uneven bars. Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Lee had an impressive showing throughout the competition, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination that ultimately led her to victory, despite her competitors aiming for the gold.
Lee performs on the balance beam during the third rotation. She put up the field’s second-best score on the beam.Lee was in first place heading to the floor exercise on the final rotation. Lindsey Wasson/ReutersLee put up the field’s fifth-best score on the floor exercise, and it was enough to hold onto the lead.Lee congratulates Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade after the floor exercise. Andrade had a chance to overtake Lee at the end, but she stepped out of bounds twice during her floor routine.Lee twists in the air during her floor exercise routine. Dylan Martinez/ReutersFrom left, US gymnasts Grace McCallum, Jordan Chiles, Simone Biles, and MyKayla Skinner cheer for Lee after her gold-medal performance. Biles withdrew from the event because of mental-health concerns.Lee hugs Jade Carey after it was clear she had won gold. Ashley Landis/APShyenne Lee, Lee’s sister, celebrates at a watch party in Oakdale, Minnesota. Stephen Maturen/Getty ImagesLee, 18, is the first Hmong-American to compete as an Olympic gymnast. Gregory Bull/APLee’s parents, Yeev Thoj and John Lee, react while watching their daughter from Oakdale, Minnesota. In 2019, John Lee suffered an accident that left him paralyzed.Lee poses with her gold medal on the podium. Martin Bureau/AFP/Getty Images
