Sunisa Lee Opens Up About Her Incurable Kidney Disease

Sunisa Lee has penned an emotional essay about living with an incurable kidney disease. The 22-year-old Olympian wrote about the "hardest parts" of her condition for Women's Health.

What happened to Sunisa Lee?

Sunisa Lee was diagnosed with a kidney disease that has no cure and will affect her for the rest of her life. She felt at her "lowest low" when doctors told her it could keep her from pursuing gymnastics. But she found determination in that moment and faced the challenge head-on.

How has the disease impacted her gymnastics career?

The disease caused Sunisa Lee to gain 40 pounds and experience swelling that affected her whole body. She had to end her college career at Auburn due to the disease and opted out of the World Championships Selection Camp. However, she was able to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won one gold and two bronze medals, as of August 2023.

What's next for Sunisa Lee?

Sunisa Lee is taking time for herself and exploring new passions like fashion and acting. She's learned to accept that she'll "never be the same Suni" but is now "a stronger Suni than I ever thought I could be". The Olympian shared that she's found strength in her journey and is determined to stay positive. She's using her platform to raise awareness about her condition and inspire others. Sunisa Lee's story is one of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. She's proving that even with an incurable disease, she can still achieve greatness, as seen in her Olympic wins.