Suni Lee Reveals Health Condition That Kept Her Sidelined to End Season

Auburn gymnast Suni Lee announced Monday that she is dealing with a non-gymnastics related kidney issue that has kept her out of meets. The Tigers’ medical staff did not clear Lee, who has been out of action for the past month, to train or compete over that span.

Lee, who already announced that this would be her final collegiate season, will now shift her focus towards preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

“It’s been challenging to end my Auburn career early, but I am thankful for all the love and support,” she said in a statement. “I will not stop pursuing my dreams for a bid to Paris in 2024. In fact, this experience has sharpened my vision for the future.” 

Lee missed four straight meets to end the season, which included the last two regular-season meets, the SEC championship and the NCAA Los Angeles regional semifinal. The Tigers came in last place, which ended their season as a team.

Last year, Lee claimed the NCAA title on balance beam, SEC title for bars and was the runner-up in all-around while Auburn made it to the Final Four in the NCAA championships. Lee shined at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 before competing with Auburn the past two years.