6 reasons why Simone Biles and Suni Lee are friendship goals: From funny TikToks to supporting each other

By Khushali Srivastava
Published on : 04:15 PST, Aug 1, 2024

Suni Lee and Simone Biles both achieved historic finals spots at 2024 Olympics (Photo by Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

A deep dive into the close bond between gymnasts Sunisa Lee and Simone Biles

How Suni Lee and Simone Biles lift each other up(Getty Images)

Simone Biles and Sunisa (Suni) Lee have much more in common than just their love for gymnastics; both have faced and conquered significant obstacles on their path to becoming Olympic champions. Biles initially gained widespread attention at the 2016 Rio Olympics, securing four gold medals at the age of 19. Meanwhile, Lee rose to prominence at the 2020 Olympics, stepping up when Biles withdrew due to the twisties, a condition causing loss of spatial awareness. Lee claimed gold in the women's all-around, making history as the first Asian woman and Hmong-American to achieve this feat. Despite their competitive natures, Biles and Lee have developed a deep friendship. Here's a closer look at the connection between Suni Lee and Simone Biles.

1. Simone Biles’ encouragement for Suni Lee during the pandemic

Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee of USA during the Women's All-Around Final on Day 7 of FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships on October 10, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) — Suni Lee leaned on Simone Biles during the pandemic (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The postponement of the 2020 Olympics due to the Covid-19 pandemic was a significant setback for many athletes, including Suni Lee. It was especially tough for Lee as it was supposed to be her first Olympic appearance. She told Elle about her disappointment upon learning the news, which led to a period of depression and contemplation of quitting gymnastics. Simone Biles, understanding the emotional toll, provided unwavering support. Despite not being able to meet in person, the two kept in touch through texts, with Lee recalling how Biles was the only one who truly understood what she was going through.

2. Simone Biles' support for Suni Lee’s family

Simone Biles of Team United States acknowledges the crowd alongside teammate Sunisa Lee prior to Women's Balance Beam Final on day eleven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on August 03, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) — Simone Biles stands by Suni Lee's family following father’s accident.(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Suni Lee's journey hasn't been without personal struggles. In 2019, her father, Houa John Lee, suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. During a 2021 'Today' show appearance, her father received a heartfelt surprise from Biles, who, along with the show, gifted him a custom electric wheelchair. This act of kindness left John Lee speechless and profoundly grateful, highlighting the depth of Biles' support for her teammate's family.

3. Simone Biles’ public support for Suni Lee at the Olympics

Sunisa Lee on the podium to receive the gold medal for her balance beam routine from Simone Biles who won the silver medal in the discipline during the 2024 Core Hydration Gymnastics Classic at the XL Centre, Hartford on May 18th, 2024, in Hartford, Connecticut. USA. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) — Simone Biles publicly supports Suni Lee after withdrawing from 2020 Olympics (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

When Biles withdrew from the 2020 Olympics, it gave Lee a rare opportunity to win gold, which she seized. Biles showed no resentment, only pride, as she cheered Lee on. "CONGRATS PRINCESS," Biles posted on Instagram. "Absolutely killed it!!! OLYMPIC CHAMPION RIGHT HERE !!! So so so beyond proud of you!!!!" Lee, in turn, expressed her disbelief and joy at achieving her dream, showcasing the mutual admiration and support between the two athletes.

4. Suni Lee’s admiration for Simone Biles

Second place winner Sunisa Lee and first place winner Simone Biles celebrate during the podium ceremony for the balance beam during the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships at Dickies Arena on June 02, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) — Suni Lee says Simone Biles inspires her to improve as an athlete (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Competing against someone as accomplished as Biles can be daunting, but for Lee, it’s also a source of motivation. She admitted to Self magazine that competing against Biles often feels like aiming for second place, but it’s this competition that pushes her to excel. Their camaraderie and mutual encouragement highlight a relationship built on respect and admiration.

5. Simone Biles’ encouragement during the 2024 qualifiers

Simone Biles celebrates with teammate Sunisa Lee of Team United States during the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Qualification on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on July 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) — Simone Biles’ encouragement helps Suni Lee overcome 2024 Olympics Qualifier mistake (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

At the 2024 Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships, Lee made a mistake during a vault routine, and Biles was there to offer comfort and advice. Biles, drawing from her own experiences, provided Lee with the encouragement she needed to persevere. Lee later expressed how Biles’ support made a significant difference, stating, "It was really nice having her in my corner and she's just been so supportive."

6. Suni Lee and Simone Biles make history at Paris Olympics

Sunisa Lee and Simone Biles of the United States prepare to perform their uneven bars routine during the Artistic Gymnastics Team Final for Women at the Bercy Arena during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games on July 30th, 2024, in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) — Simone Biles and Suni Lee secure spots in 2024 Olympic finals, making history (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Suni Lee and Simone Biles both advanced to the finals of the 2024 Olympic Games, making history as the first two Olympic all-around medalists to compete in the finals. It was a narrow victory for Lee, who edged out teammate Jordan Chiles by just 0.067 points. Though competing at the Olympics is a significant challenge for Lee and Biles, they don't take the experience lightly. After Team USA won gold in the women's gymnastics all-around team final on July 30, they celebrated their achievement by planning a fun TikTok video to showcase their team's success, highlighting their close friendship and playful spirits.

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