Suni Lee feels happy ‘to prove my doctor wrong’ after winning Olympic medals despite rare kidney diseases

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Suni Lee has shared the story of her resilience after being diagnosed with two rare kidney diseases in 2023.

The incurable diseases did not stop the 21-year-old gymnast from winning team gold and bronze medals in women's all-around and women's uneven bars at the Paris Olympics.

She expressed, “It feels really good,” as reported by OK! Magazine.

Suni Lee feels happy to learn about her mental strength

She continued, “I always find myself having to step back and realize how amazing it is that I'm in this position because I was told I was never going to be able to do gymnastics again, so being able to prove my doctor wrong was probably one of the most amazing experiences.”

Lee revealed that her doctor was with her during the 2024 Olympics. “He got to see everything, and he's seen me work my way up. When he first saw me, I was at my lowest, so it's been amazing to have such an amazing healthcare team but also getting to learn more about myself mentally,” she stated.

“I have realized how much stronger I am and how important it is to advocate for myself and speak up even when my voice is shaking. That's the most important part about my story,” the athlete mentioned as she discussed her association with the American Kidney Fund on their ‘Know Your Kidneys’ campaign.

Suni Lee's kidney diseases were first misdiagnosed

Lee’s health struggle began when she discovered that she put on more than 45 pounds in the time period of just two weeks.

She explained, “When I was first diagnosed, my doctors didn't want to listen to me. They told me it was just allergies.

“So, having to advocate for myself and making sure I was getting the right treatment plan was really important because I was doing gymnastics as well, and then getting told I was never going to do gymnastics was really heartbreaking.”

She also disclosed how helpless she felt initially. "I didn't really know what I was talking about, whereas now I feel a little more educated about it because I've had to learn more about kidney disease and more about my body,” the brunette beauty mentioned.

Suni Lee now wants to ‘raise more awareness about kidney disease’

Lee then went on to commend the American Kidney Fund on their ‘Know Your Kidneys’ campaign.

The six-time Olympic medalist added, “It has been such an amazing experience. I really wanted to raise more awareness about kidney disease and then the American Kidney Fund has made such a big impact on the kidney community. I wanted people to know how important it is to advocate for yourself when seeking a diagnosis.”