Six-time Olympic medalist Sunisa Lee is officially returning to gymnastics, setting her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after stepping away to focus on her health.
Throughout her career, Lee has continually made history. She made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games as the first Hmong-American Olympian and the first woman of Hmong descent to compete at the Olympics. She also became the first Asian-American woman to win the Olympic all-around gymnastics title, earning two gold medals during the Games.
Three years later, Lee revealed that she had been diagnosed with a rare, incurable kidney disease—one that threatened to end her gymnastics career. Despite the diagnosis, she competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she captured her fifth and sixth Olympic medals—further cementing her reputation as one of the sport’s most resilient athletes.
Following the Paris Games, Lee stepped away from competition to prioritize her health and recovery.
On July 14, Lee announced her return to gymnastics with an Instagram video, signaling the start of her journey toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “This is more than a comeback,” the caption at the end of the video read.
Lee’s return carries weight beyond another Olympic campaign. For many Hmong and Asian-American athletes, she continues to be a powerful reminder that excellence and representation can go hand in hand. As she begins her journey toward Los Angeles, Sunisa Lee isn’t simply chasing more medals—she’s continuing a legacy that proves true strength is measured not only by perseverance, but by the courage to keep showing up, even when the path forward isn’t easy.
Featured Image and Photo: SUNISA LEE (via Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Sunisa Lee officially announced her return to gymnastics on July 14, 2026, via Instagram, confirming that she is targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She had stepped away from competition following the 2024 Paris Olympics to focus on her health and recovery.
Sunisa Lee has six Olympic medals. She won two gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, including the all-around title, and added her fifth and sixth medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics — competing while managing a diagnosis of a rare, incurable kidney disease.
Sunisa Lee was diagnosed with a rare, incurable kidney disease, which she revealed publicly after her 2020 Tokyo Olympic campaign. Despite the diagnosis, she competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics before stepping away from competition to prioritize her health ahead of a planned return for LA 2028.
Sunisa Lee is the first Hmong-American Olympian and the first woman of Hmong descent to compete at the Olympics. She is also the first Asian-American woman to win the Olympic gymnastics all-around title, a milestone she achieved at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
The 2028 Olympics are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles. Sunisa Lee has officially announced her intention to compete, making her one of the confirmed names targeting the Games in gymnastics. Her return was announced on July 14, 2026, via her Instagram account.
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