“I woke up that morning with, like, an anxiety attack. And I was like, uh-oh, this is not gonna be good.” These words from Olympic multi-medalisr Sunisa Lee offer a rare and raw glimpse into the emotional turmoil that accompanies even the most celebrated athletic achievements. For Lee, the anxiety she faced before stepping onto the mat wasn’t just a moment; it was a reflection of the immense pressure and the very real struggles athletes face in the lead-up to major meets.
The Minnesota native has 6 Olympic medals, two of them gold. But even the brightest stars with the most decorated resumes, are fighting their battles unknown to the world. Not only did she have to deal with a notorious kidney disease that put her gymnastics career on the line, Lee also had to battle mental health lows. Her story isn’t just about physical achievement, but about the mental resilience required to navigate the highs and lows of elite competition. It’s a reminder that behind the grit, talent, and medals, there is a complex narrative of inner strength.
SI Swimsuit spent time with each of these star athletes during their Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photo shoots in Boca Raton, Fla. During her shoot, Lee shared insights into her mental preparation, “Whenever I’m doing something new, because I am not the type of person that likes to step out of my comfort zone, I always just try to hype myself up.” Lee’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. After her Olympic triumph, she faced challenges adapting to college life at Auburn University.
I give myself words of affirmation probably almost every day. I also journal, and I write down my goals, things that I want to accomplish.” These practices highlight the importance of mental strategies in navigating the pressures of high-level competition. Despite her hopes for a traditional college experience, she encountered personal security concerns and feelings of isolation. “A lot of girls weren’t the nicest to me. I just really felt like an outcast, almost,” she revealed. These experiences underscore the often-overlooked difficulties athletes face off the field. Compounding these challenges was a chronic kidney condition that left Lee physically weakened, making even basic gymnastics routines painful.
Despite facing significant health challenges, including an incurable kidney disease, Lee’s determination remained unwavering. She continued to push herself, ultimately competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics and winning one gold and two bronze medals. Her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that resilience and self-care are integral to overcoming adversity and achieving greatness.
From rivalry to friendship amid competition nerves
On March 14, the LSU Tigers stormed into Alabama for their final regular-season showdown, facing off against Auburn, Suni Lee’s former gymnastics home. The arena buzzed with excitement, but it wasn’t just the competition that made headlines. Suni Lee’s presence added an unexpected twist. Dressed in her Auburn jacket, Lee took her seat in the crowd, instantly becoming the center of attention. Her presence turned heads, captured camera shots, and sparked cheers from fans. The night, full of incredible routines and dramatic landings, concluded with LSU clinching the victory, but there was a surprising twist. Suni Lee still came out a winner.
As the meet unfolded, the energy in the arena reached its peak, but it was across the gym where Lee experienced a moment of personal triumph. Olivia Dunne, Suni’s former NCAA rival, spotted her in the stands. What followed was a beautiful, heartwarming moment as the two rivals turned friends embraced, posed for pictures, and shared jokes. That night, the competition was put aside, and their bond took center stage, reminding everyone that the true victory lies in the friendships and memories made beyond the scoreboard.
Much like Simone Biles, who has often spoken about the anxiety she faces before competitions, Suni Lee shared her own experience with performance nerves. Biles has always been open about the butterflies she feels, noting, “I still get nervous on competition days because every competition is a new day.” For both gymnasts, the pressure and nerves are an inevitable part of the process. Biles adds that she manages this anxiety through techniques like staying focused, breathing, positive self-talk, and listening to music. These shared experiences from two gymnastics icons underscore the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level.
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