Suni Lee wins ESPY for Best Comeback Athlete
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Former Auburn gymnast Suni Lee continues to add to her trophy collection.
Her latest accomplishment came Wednesday night during the annual ESPY Awards where she was named the Best Comeback Athlete of the year. After being nominated for two ESPYs in 2022, this marks Lee’s first win at the award ceremony.
From hospital beds to three Olympic medals in Paris, this is proof that no stepback can stop you if you don’t stop fighting.”
Suni Lee at the ESPYs
Lee becomes the first former Auburn athlete to win an ESPY since Cam Newton won the Best NFL Player award in 2015.
Keep reading to learn more about Lee’s story + what she had to say about her comeback.
Suni Lee
When she first came on to the scene, Suni Lee clearly had a bright future ahead of her. Her first Olympic performance came when she was just 18 years old and she claimed three medals, including gold in the all-around competition.
Lee then made her way to The Plains, winning one individual national championship and had a runner-up finish in all-around.
But in 2023, Lee was diagnosed with two kidney diseases and started treatment which forced her to step away from gymnastics for several months. But she eventually returned to the mats in a big way.
Lee returned to the Olympics last summer, adding three more medals to her tally including helping Team USA earn gold.
Those accomplishments helped Lee earn the ESPY for Best Comeback Athlete. And she brought along the doctor—Dr. Marcia Faustin—who helped her get back to the sport.
“When I was diagnosed with two rare kidney diseases, I was told I would never compete again but I refused to believe that. There were days where I felt scared, defeated and alone but I always found strength around me… Never ever underestimate a girl who is determined to prove her worth to herself.”
Suni Lee
This award was just the latest in a long line of accomplishments for the 22-year-old. Make sure to check out some of our other stories featuring Lee:
- Former Auburn star Suni Lee earns Olympic bronze in all-around final
- Former Auburn gymnast Suni Lee named Woman of the Year by Glamour
- Auburn Gymnastics featured on the Today Show
- Celebrating 10 athletes with ties to Alabama for National Girls and Women in Sports Day
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