Suni Lee: Ethnicity, Health, Net Worth, and Personal Life

Suni Lee made history as the first Hmong American to win an Olympic medal, but her path to the podium has been anything but ordinary. Between conquering the all-around competition in Tokyo and fighting an incurable kidney disease, she’s shown that resilience runs deeper than gold.

Age: 22 (as of 2025) · Birthplace: St. Paul, Minnesota · Height: 5 ft 0 in (152 cm) · Olympic Medals: 6 (3 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze) · Estimated Net Worth: $5 million · Diagnosis: Incurable kidney disease

The table below distills the essential biographical and career numbers.

What ethnicity is Suni Lee?

Suni Lee is Hmong American — a member of an ethnic group from Laos with a distinct culture and language. Her mother, Yeev Thoj, and her father’s partner, John Lee, immigrated to the United States from Laos as refugees, as reported by NBC Olympics (authoritative Olympic news source).

What is Suni Lee’s nationality?

• She is an American citizen, born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota (Britannica (encyclopedia reference)).
• USA Gymnastics officially lists her nationality as American (USA Gymnastics (governing body roster)).

What is Suni Lee’s cultural background?

• Lee is the first Hmong American Olympic athlete, according to Britannica.
• Biography.com (editorial biography source) describes her as Asian American of Hmong descent.

The implication: Lee’s identity is a landmark for visibility of a community that numbers roughly 300,000 in the United States, most with roots in Laos.

Who has Suni Lee dated?

Lee’s personal life has drawn public curiosity, but verified information remains sparse.

Is Suni Lee married or single?

• As of 2025, there is no publicly confirmed marriage or engagement. Her current relationship status is not officially disclosed.

Suni Lee and OG Anunoby

• Lee has been linked romantically to NBA player OG Anunoby, though neither party has publicly confirmed the relationship. Reports are based on social media speculation, not official statements.

The pattern: Lee has consistently kept her private life private, offering no comment on dating rumors.

What was Suni Lee diagnosed with?

In early 2023, Lee stepped away from Auburn University’s gymnastics team because of a health issue unrelated to training.

What chronic illness does Suni Lee have?

• Tests revealed she had an incurable kidney disease present in two forms, according to Biography.com.
• The American Kidney Fund (patient advocacy organization) states her kidney disease is of unknown origin.
• She also has eczema, which can be linked to immune system issues.

Why does Suni Lee have dots on her lips?

• The dots are a visible symptom of her kidney condition. They are not a cosmetic choice but a medical indicator.

The trade-off: remission does not equal cure. Lee will need to monitor her kidney function indefinitely while pursuing a demanding sport.

Is Suni Lee a millionaire?

Yes, with an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2025, according to multiple media estimates.

What is Suni Lee’s net worth?

• Her wealth comes from Olympic prize money (USA Gymnastics awards athletes for medals), endorsements with brands such as Gatorade, Visa, and Nike, and social media influence with over 4 million Instagram followers.
• The $5 million figure is not independently audited; it is an aggregate of media estimates from outlets like Biography.com.

How did Suni Lee build her wealth?

• Olympic gold carries financial rewards: U.S. gymnasts receive bonuses from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
• Endorsement deals after Tokyo 2020 (including partnerships with Athleta and Beats by Dre) significantly boosted her earnings.
• She also monetizes her Instagram account with sponsored posts.

The pattern: Lee’s net worth reflects a typical post-Olympic endorsement surge for high-profile gymnasts, though exact figures are private.

What is Suni Lee’s religion?

Suni Lee identifies as a Christian. She has spoken about her faith in interviews, though detailed public statements are limited.

Is Suni Lee Christian?

• Yes. In various profiles (including Biography.com), Lee mentions her Christian faith as a source of strength.

The implication: faith provides a private anchor for Lee, but she doesn’t actively preach or make it a central public persona.

In her own words

“I was so scared to even tell anybody because I didn’t want people to think that I couldn’t do it or that I was making excuses.”

— Suni Lee, in an NBC Olympics interview on her kidney disease diagnosis

“Being Hmong American means everything to me. I want to inspire the younger generation to go after their dreams no matter where they come from.”

— Suni Lee, as quoted in an ESPN profile (via Britannica)

Suni Lee’s story is still unfolding. For young athletes facing health setbacks, her example sends a concrete message: remission can be achieved, competition can resume, and public identity can be a source of strength. For the gymnastics world, the question is how long she can maintain elite form while managing a chronic condition. The decision she faces — push for another Olympic cycle or prioritize long-term health — will shape her legacy as much as any gold medal.

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