Three months ago, Leanne Wong’s NCAA career ended not with a medal, but a missed tenth. The Florida Gators, once top contenders, fell just short at Nationals. Still, she hasn’t slowed down. From organic chemistry exams to a mission trip in Costa Rica, moving homes, surgery, and launching new ventures, she’s crammed a year into a summer. Somehow, she calls this her “break.”
Now, as the elite season begins, she’s juggling coaching, training, and growing her Bowtique. But behind all the chaos, one thing remains constant: her family. To understand Leanne’s drive, you’ve got to meet the people who shaped her.
Who Is Leanne Wong’s Mother, Bee Ding?
Bee Ding is more than just Leanne Wong’s mom; she’s been her anchor, partner, and silent powerhouse from the start. With a PhD in pharmacology and years as a research scientist, Bee built a life rooted in precision and discipline. But when Leanne’s gymnastics journey began, Bee shifted gears.
She stepped away from her lab coat and into something more personal, her daughter’s world of flips, bows, and big dreams. From the early levels of gymnastics, Level 4 to Level 10, Bee was there for every meet, every win, every long road trip. She juggled training schedules, flights, and schoolwork like a pro. Nothing slipped through the cracks.
She didn’t just cheer from the stands; she studied routines, handled logistics, and made sure Leanne stayed grounded. Leanne always trusted her mom with the full story, every behind-the-scenes detail. In fact, it was Bee’s idea that one day, they’d turn those memories into a book.
That book finally came to life in My Journey: Trust the Process. Leanne shared in an interview that her mom had remembered every story they’d talked about over the years. She filled in the missing pieces of childhood snapshots, family moments, and private milestones. Together, they shaped something real, something that honored every step.
At the same time, she found herself co-running Leanne Wong Bowtique, their custom hair bow business. What started as a side project became a full-time job. Bee took the lead, designing, producing, and shipping bows right from their Overland Park home. With her background in science, she brought insane attention to detail.
Sometimes, she wouldn’t sleep until 4 a.m. just to keep up with orders. While Leanne trained for world championships, Bee made sure customers got their bows on time. It became their second team project, one in glitter and ribbon, not medals.
It’s clear that Bee Ding has been more than a mom; she’s been the steady force behind it all. She built a life where Leanne could soar, even if it meant putting her own career on pause. The lab may be behind her, but the science of support is what she’s mastered. Anyhow, now that we have looked at her mother, let’s also look at her father.
Who Is Leanne Wong’s Father, Marco Wong?
Marco Wong isn’t just Leanne Wong’s dad; he’s her quiet constant. He holds both an MD and a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology. A research scientist by trade, Marco’s world has always been full of data, formulas, and long hours in the lab. That’s actually where he met Bee Ding; they worked side by side before becoming parents.
When Leanne first started flipping around the living room, Marco didn’t think much of it. But as she advanced through levels, he started seeing something more. During early competitions, Marco was the calm in the chaos, recording routines, quietly cheering, and always ready with snacks and support. He never missed a meet.
At the 2021 Olympic Trials in St. Louis, he stood in awe. Cameras rolled, the arena buzzed, and there was his daughter, competing with the best. He told reporters it was surreal. “It’s pretty hard to believe that it actually could happen,” he said. “I guess it kind of teaches us don’t be afraid to dream. Think big.”
He’s not the loudest voice in the room. But when Leanne steps onto the floor, he’s there. Always has been. From balancing research to parenting, Marco’s been behind the scenes, making sure Leanne had space to shine. And in every way that matters, he’s still in her corner. So, now that we have seen both parents’ stories, let’s see if we have still more to look at.
What Is Leanne Wong’s Family Ethnicity, and Where Are They From?
Leanne Wong’s roots trace back to Malaysia, where both her parents, Bee Ding and Marco Wong, were born. They’re Malaysian Chinese and later moved to the U.S., eventually settling in Overland Park, Kansas. That blend of cultures shaped everything—how Leanne was raised, how she trained, how she sees the world.
Her parents brought their values with them: discipline, humility, and grit. It wasn’t about chasing medals. It was about doing things the right way, showing up, and staying focused. That mindset became Leanne’s foundation.
Growing up, Chinese New Year was a big deal: red envelopes, dumplings, and family stories. Even in Kansas, those traditions stayed alive. Her mom cooked the classics, her dad passed down family history, and those pieces added up to something powerful: identity.
In Florida, Leanne found her second family but her roots never faded. She, Morgan Hurd, and Victoria Nguyen often shared meals from home, brought by their parents on visits. It meant comfort. Connection. A reminder of where they came from.
For Leanne, being Chinese American isn’t a label; it’s part of her strength. Her work ethic, her calm under pressure, that quiet determination are all seeded in her heritage, nurtured by home. So now that we know about his parents, we also need at his siblings.
Who Are Leanne Wong’s Siblings?
Leanne Wong has two younger brothers, Michael and Brendan, and they’re not just family, they’re her inner circle. Michael stays a bit more behind the scenes, but Brendan is all in.
He watches her routines like a coach. He rewinds videos, studies her competitors, and offers advice that actually sticks. Before the 2023 World Championships, he told her straight: stay consistent, hit your mark, no distractions. And she listened.
He’s not just a cheerleader, he’s part of the team. Brendan helps with her bow business, too. Whether it’s packing orders or brainstorming, he’s right there beside her. That kind of support doesn’t get headlines, but it matters.
Their mom once said Brendan was fully immersed in Leanne’s journey. And it shows. He shows up, stays engaged, and pushes her to keep striving. The Wong siblings share more than a last name; they share effort, love, and hustle. It’s that tight-knit vibe that keeps Leanne grounded.
Even with medals and college life, she knows her brothers are watching. Rooting for her. Giving advice when needed, stepping up when it counts. That’s the Wong family, everyone plays a role, and nobody gets left out.
The post Meet Leanne Wong’s Parents and Siblings: The Family Behind Team USA’s Gymnastics Star appeared first on EssentiallySports.
