Suni Lee, the Olympic all-around champion from Tokyo 2020, has confirmed her return to gymnastics with an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In a video posted to Instagram, Lee showed herself back in the gym, declaring, “I know what I’m capable of. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get there. Back in the gym ... we’ll see. This is more than a comeback, stay tuned.”

Lee, now 23, became a household name at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she captured the gold medal in the women’s all-around competition and added a bronze on uneven bars. Her performance made her the first Hmong American to win an Olympic gold medal. Two years later, she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, a condition she battled to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she secured two more bronze medals. After the Games, Lee took time off to focus on her health and training, now signaling her intent to return to elite gymnastics.

Lee’s Determination and Health Journey

Lee’s decision comes as she continues to manage her kidney disease. In a recent interview, she spoke about the challenges of training while dealing with the condition, emphasizing that her health remains a priority. “I’m taking things day by day,” she said. “My doctors and I have a plan, and I feel confident that I can compete at the highest level again.” Her announcement has been met with enthusiasm from fans and fellow gymnasts, who have watched her rise from a talented junior to an Olympic champion.

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics represent a home Games for Lee, who was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. Competing in Los Angeles would allow her to perform in front of a supportive American crowd, something she did not fully experience in Tokyo due to the pandemic restrictions or in Paris where she was recovering from her kidney issues. Lee has also expressed a desire to be a role model for young athletes, especially those from minority communities.

Simone Biles Remains Undecided

While Lee has made her intentions clear, Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has yet to decide on her participation in the 2028 Games. Biles, 29, told Spanish newspaper El País that she is “still at about 50 percent” regarding a return. “I’ve already been to three Olympic Games, and I feel fulfilled. It’s crazy to see how people always want more and more from you. In the end, the decision will always be mine,” she said.

Biles made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, leading the U.S. women’s team to gold before winning individual gold in the all-around and vault, plus silver on floor exercise. Her four medals in Paris brought her career Olympic total to 11, including seven golds, two silvers, and two bronzes. She is widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time.

Recent Health Scare for Biles

In early 2025, Biles revealed a frightening health scare that left her fearing for her life. Sharing a photo of hospital wristbands on Instagram Stories, she wrote, “I’m not one to normally share things like this because I value privacy in today’s age. But almost dying wasn’t on my bingo card earlier this week.” She later updated fans that she is recovering and feeling more like herself each day. The health incident adds another layer of uncertainty to her potential comeback.

Biles has also spoken about the pressure athletes face to continue competing beyond their prime. She emphasized that retirement is a personal decision and that she feels no obligation to return. Her legacy is already secure, but many fans hope to see her compete in Los Angeles for a fourth Olympic Games.

Other 2024 Team Members Returning

Lee is not the only member of the 2024 Olympic team to announce a return. Jade Carey, who won gold in the team event and bronze on vault in Paris, has already returned to competition. Carey, 24, has set her sights on the 2028 Games as well. The U.S. women’s gymnastics program has a deep pipeline of talent, including rising stars like 16-year-old Hezly Rivera, who also competed in Paris. The competition for spots on the 2028 team will be fierce.

Lee’s decision to commit early could inspire other gymnasts to announce their intentions. The Los Angeles Olympics will be a home Games for the United States, and the gymnastics events are expected to draw massive crowds at the Staples Center (now the Crypto.com Arena) or a dedicated venue.

Background on Suni Lee’s Career

Lee’s journey to gymnastics stardom began at age six when she started training at Midwest Gymnastics in Minnesota. She quickly progressed, winning junior national titles before making her senior debut in 2019. At the 2019 World Championships, she helped the U.S. win team gold and earned a silver on floor exercise. Her breakout came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021), where she stepped up after Biles withdrew from the all-around final due to the “twisties.” Lee’s calm and precise performance earned her the gold medal.

After Tokyo, she attended Auburn University, competing for the Tigers while managing her health. In 2022, she was diagnosed with two types of kidney disease, which led to swelling and fatigue. Despite this, she returned to elite training for Paris, where she anchored the U.S. team to another gold and won bronze on balance beam and in the team all-around (though individual all-around was not a separate event for her). Her resilience has made her a fan favorite.

Biles’ Unprecedented Career

Simone Biles, meanwhile, has redefined the sport. Her four signature skills (the Biles I and II on vault and floor) have been named after her. She has a total of 37 Olympic and World Championship medals. Her decision to prioritize mental health in Tokyo opened a global conversation about athlete well-being. In Paris, she returned with a controlled and powerful performance, proving she could still dominate at age 27.

Biles’ future remains open. She has a busy life outside gymnastics, including a marriage to NFL player Jonathan Owens and various business ventures. She has also launched a clothing line and advocates for foster care children, having been in the system herself. Her recent health scare may influence her decision to step away from the sport permanently.

What It Means for Team USA Gymnastics

If Lee and Biles both compete in 2028, they would lead a team that could include a mix of veterans and newcomers. The U.S. women’s team has dominated the Olympics since 2012, winning gold in every team event except after Biles’ withdrawal in Tokyo. The depth of talent ensures that even if Biles retires, the team will remain competitive. Lee’s return solidifies a foundation for the program.

Coaching and Training Developments

Lee has been working with her coach Jess Graba, who has been a constant presence throughout her career. Graba has tailored her training to account for her kidney condition, making sure she does not overtrain. Lee’s father, John Lee, has also been a supportive figure, often sharing her progress on social media. The gymnastics community is watching closely to see how her training evolves over the next three years.

Challenges Ahead

Both gymnasts face significant challenges. Lee must maintain her health while returning to elite-level skills. She has expressed confidence in her ability to regain her form, noting that her time off allowed her body to recover. Biles, if she decides to return, will be 33 by the 2028 Games, an age at which most gymnasts have long retired. However, Biles’ unique talent and resilience could make her an exception.

The 2028 Olympics will also feature new rules and possibly new apparatuses. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) is considering format changes, though none have been finalized. The U.S. team will need to adapt quickly.

Fan and Media Reaction

Lee’s announcement has boosted excitement for the 2028 Games. Fans have taken to social media to express their support, with many calling her a “fighter” for overcoming adversity. Biles’ uncertainty has led to speculation, but most fans respect her need to prioritize her health. The interplay between the two stars will dominate gymnastics news for the next few years.

In summary, Suni Lee has taken the first step toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while Simone Biles remains in a wait-and-see mode. Their decisions will shape the narrative of U.S. women’s gymnastics for years to come. The sport is richer for their contributions, and regardless of the outcome, their legacies are secure.

Source: MSN News