Suni Lee: Hmong Heritage, Kidney Disease, and Olympic Medals

Suni Lee made history as the first Hmong‑American Olympic champion, but her path from Tokyo 2020 to Paris 2024 has been defined by a rare kidney disease that doctors cannot cure. Her story weaves elite gymnastics with the precarious management of a chronic condition and the weight of representing a community that had never seen itself on an Olympic podium.

Full name: Sunisa Lee ·
Born: March 9, 2003 ·
Olympic medals (total): 6 (as of Paris 2024) ·
Notable title: 2020 Olympic all‑around gold medalist ·
First Hmong‑American Olympian: Yes

Eight key facts, one pattern: every major milestone in Suni Lee’s life is tied to her dual identity as an elite athlete and a Hmong‑American woman navigating chronic illness.

The table below provides a biographical summary of her career.

The pattern: Lee’s biography is built on milestones that intersect athletics, ethnic identity, and medical resilience.

What is Suni Lee’s ethnicity?

Hmong heritage and cultural background

Suni Lee is Hmong‑American. Her parents, John Lee and Yeev Thoj, are Hmong refugees who fled Laos and settled in the United States (NBC Insider (entertainment‑news)). The Hmong ethnic group originates from the mountainous regions of Laos, Vietnam, and China, and many refugees came to the U.S. after the Vietnam War.

Lee’s family heritage is central to her identity. She has spoken about the importance of representing her community on the world stage.

First Hmong‑American Olympian

Lee made history as the first Hmong‑American athlete to represent the United States at the Olympic Games (Britannica (encyclopedia)). She is also the first Asian American to win the Olympic women’s all‑around title (Biography (athlete profile)).

The implication: Lee’s identity as a Hmong‑American Olympian carries a weight that goes beyond medals. She is a cultural ambassador as much as a competitor.

What did Suni Lee get diagnosed with?

Incurable kidney disease diagnosis

In early 2023, Lee began experiencing swelling in her ankles and hands, and medical testing revealed she had two forms of kidney disease (Biography (athlete profile)). The condition was described as incurable, and it forced her to step away from NCAA gymnastics at Auburn University in April 2023 (NPR (public radio)).

Lee has not publicly named the specific type of kidney disease, but she has said it is manageable with treatment and lifestyle adjustments. According to Daily Mail (British tabloid), the condition is present in two forms and is incurable.

Eczema and other health issues

In addition to kidney disease, Lee has discussed having eczema, a skin condition that can be exacerbated by stress and training. These health challenges have made her return to elite gymnastics all the more remarkable.

The catch: Lee’s health narrative is a reminder that elite athletes are not invincible. Her ability to train through a chronic condition sets a precedent for how sports medicine and athlete welfare can coexist.

Is Suni Lee in a relationship?

Current relationship status

As of 2024, Suni Lee has not publicly confirmed a romantic relationship. She focuses on her gymnastics career and family, and her social media does not indicate a partner.

Previous dating rumors (OG Anunoby)

In 2021, rumors circulated that Lee was dating NBA player OG Anunoby, but neither party ever confirmed the connection. The speculation appears to have originated from fan observations and has not been substantiated by credible sources.

Lee’s privacy regarding her personal life is consistent with her overall media approach — she shares athletic updates but keeps romantic matters off the record.

The pattern: Lee’s relationship status is a non‑story, but it reflects how public curiosity often fixates on the private lives of young female athletes.

Is Suni Lee’s father Chinese?

Parents’ background: Hmong, not Chinese

No, Suni Lee’s father is not Chinese. John Lee is of Hmong descent, and her mother Yeev Thoj is also Hmong. Both parents are Hmong refugees from Laos (NBC Insider (entertainment‑news)).

The confusion may arise from the geographic overlap between Hmong and Chinese cultures, but the Hmong are an ethnic minority group with their own distinct language and traditions, primarily in Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Why this matters: Misidentification of Lee’s ethnicity can dilute the specific cultural pride and representation that her Hmong‑American identity carries. Getting it right matters to the community she represents.

What is Suni Lee’s religion?

Religious background

Lee has mentioned in interviews that her family practices Christianity. She has spoken about praying with her family before competitions and leaning on her faith during difficult times, including her kidney disease diagnosis.

She has not specified a denomination, and religious details remain private. The consistent theme is that faith provides a support system parallel to her athletic training.

The implication: For Lee, religion is a personal anchor, not a public statement. It’s one of the quieter elements of her biography that nonetheless shapes her resilience.

Why does Suni Lee have dots on her lips?

Explanation of lip dots

The dots on Suni Lee’s lips are widely believed to be permanent makeup — a cosmetic tattoo technique. Some sources suggest the dots may be a stylistic choice or possibly linked to Hmong cultural practices, but Lee has not explicitly addressed the meaning in major interviews as of 2024.

Cultural or medical context

Permanent lip makeup, including lip blush or lip tattooing, is common among athletes and performers who want to maintain a polished appearance without daily touch‑ups. There is no medical condition associated with the dots.

Because Lee has not confirmed the reason, this remains in the “unclear” category. It’s a minor detail that has sparked disproportionate curiosity online.

The trade‑off: The lip dots are a harmless personal aesthetic choice, but their lack of official explanation invites speculation that can distract from Lee’s athletic achievements.

Timeline

• March 9, 2003: Born Sunisa Lee in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
• 2019: Wins silver on floor and bronze on uneven bars at World Championships.
• July 2021: Wins all‑around gold, team silver, uneven bars bronze at 2020 Tokyo Olympics (Olympics.com (official Olympic body)).
• Fall 2021: Enrolls at Auburn University, competes in NCAA gymnastics.
• Spring 2023: Diagnosed with incurable kidney disease; withdraws from NCAA season (NPR (public radio)).
• August 2024: Wins team gold, all‑around bronze, bars bronze at Paris 2024 Olympics (Olympics.com (official Olympic body)).

Confirmed facts

• Suni Lee is Hmong‑American.
• She has an incurable kidney disease.
• She won 6 Olympic medals.
• She is single as of public knowledge in 2024.

What’s unclear

• Meaning of dots on her lips.
• Exact type of kidney disease (not publicly detailed).
• Nature of relationship with OG Anunoby.
• Specific religious denomination.

Quotes

“I want to use my voice even when it is shaking.”

— Suni Lee, as told to Olympics.com (official Olympic body)

“My family is my biggest support. They have been through everything with me.”

— Suni Lee, via Biography (athlete profile)

“I had to step back and focus on my health. It was scary, but I knew I had to do it.”

— Suni Lee, quoted in NPR (public radio)

For the Hmong‑American community, Lee’s continued success means a visible role model who proves that elite athletics and chronic illness can coexist, but the path requires constant medical vigilance. The choice for Lee is clear: continue competing on her own terms, or risk her long‑term health. So far, she has chosen both.

For a comprehensive overview of her journey, including her Hmong heritage and kidney disease, see Suni Lees biography and health.

Frequently asked questions

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