Last year, the world watched on as the women’s team from USA took home gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Amongst the athletes, Suni Lee was a clear standout and fan favourite, not just for being the first Hmong American to compete at the Olympics but for her triumphant performance that led to a bronze medal for uneven bars. It was a moving win like no other, especially given how a year prior to the sporting event, Lee was battling a rare kidney disease. One that was devastatingly crippling, where she couldn’t even put on pair of grips, let alone feel like she could ever compete again.
Of course, Lee would go on to defy every odd, whilst openly advocating for her rare disease. “Looking back, that time was really scary and uncertain. Being diagnosed with rare kidney diseases and having to step away from gymnastics was tough, I wasn’t sure if I’d compete again. But with the support of my family, doctors, and coaches, I took it day by day and focused on my health. Making it to Paris and competing again showed me the power of resilience—sometimes it’s about adapting and trusting the process, even when things don’t go as planned,” says the 22-year-old.
This year, post-Olympics, Lee is enjoying life to the fullest, just like any vivacious twenty-something. She’s been glowing courtside at a few NBA games, reigning as a beauty queen on TikTok and has recently been named a lululemon ambassador with an Align campaign in tow. Like many women, Lee is not immune to the charms of the American athleisure brand, which makes this partnership a natural fit. “Even before this ambassadorship, I have every single product in every single colour. As an athlete, I’ve always appreciated how their gear supports performance without sacrificing comfort or style. But what really drew me in is their commitment to wellness as a whole—not just physical fitness, but also mental health and self-expression.”
Below, the six-time Olympic medalist speaks to Vogue Singapore on her favourite Lululemon pieces, wellness practices and what her definition of strength looks like.
Congratulations on your new Align campaign with lululemon that marks the product line’s 10th anniversary. Tell us about your experience on set that day.
Shooting the Align campaign was such a fun and empowering experience. The energy on set was so positive, everyone really made me feel comfortable and confident, which I think comes through in the photos. What I loved most was how true to me everything felt. The Align collection is all about softness and movement, so it didn’t feel like I was ‘posing’. It felt natural, like I was just being myself. It was a day full of laughter, good vibes, and a reminder of how powerful it is to feel comfortable in your own skin.
What goes into your training as an athlete and gymnast and how does lululemon come in?
Training as a gymnast is incredibly demanding as it is a mix of strength and flexibility, coupled with endurance and precision. I’m a huge fan of cross-training too, so I like to do things outside of the gym. Every day looks a little different, but there’s always a focus on pushing my limits while also listening to my body. That balance is really important to me, and it’s something lululemon supports in such a real way.
Their gear moves with me through every part of my day, from high-intensity training to recovery and even rest. I rely on pieces like those from the Align collection when I need something soft and breathable during stretching or lighter workouts, and the brand’s performance wear when I’m going full out. But more than that, I love that lululemon encourages a holistic approach to wellness, reminding me that taking care of my mental health and finding moments of stillness are just as important as the physical side of training.
As a gymnast, athlete and public figure, how has it been like coping with stressors from a young age? What is your mindset when it comes to that?
It hasn’t always been easy, especially growing up in the spotlight while competing at the highest levels. As a gymnast and public figure, there’s pressure from expectations, from social media, even from myself. But over the years, I’ve learned how important it is to give myself grace and protect my mental space. I’ve really worked on shifting my mindset from perfection to progress. It’s okay to have hard days, and it’s okay to step back when you need to. Surrounding myself with the right support system like family, coaches, and friends, and practising things like mindfulness and journaling have helped me stay grounded. I’ve also learned that strength isn’t just about what you do in the gym, it’s how you care for your whole self.
How do you unwind? What gives you comfort during the strenuous times of rigorous training?
I find comfort in simple things like spending time with my family and close friends who help me stay grounded. I also love journaling and practising mindfulness to clear my mind and reset. Sometimes, just putting on some music and moving at my own pace, whether it’s stretching or Pilates, helps me recharge. It’s those little moments of calm that keep me balanced and ready to take on whatever comes next.
What is next for Suni?
What’s next for me is all about growth, both as an athlete and as a person. I want to keep pushing my limits, but also focus on using my platform to create a positive impact and spreading goodness. Being part of the lululemon community has been incredible because it’s filled with like-minded people who believe in wellness, mindfulness, and supporting each other’s journeys. You can expect to see me continuing to advocate for holistic health, inspiring others to find balance in their lives, and further collaborating with lululemon on projects that empower people to move, breathe, and be their best selves every day.
