America’s Olympic darling just proved she’s far from finished, trading medals for modeling in a striking new chapter of her post-Paris comeback.
Suni Lee isn’t stepping off the podium quietly. After a dazzling return at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 22-year-old gymnast has flipped the script yet again—this time by posing for Sports Illustrated’s iconic Swimsuit Issue. It’s her first appearance in the magazine, and it’s not just about glamor—it’s a statement.
Lee’s photoshoot comes on the heels of a challenging yet triumphant year. After a serious health scare, she clawed her way back into elite shape and helped Team USA secure gymnastics gold once again. Now, with a fresh wave of public admiration, she’s adding fashion icon to her already packed résumé.
A Comeback Written in Sweat, Pain—and Sparkles
Last year, Lee wasn’t sure she’d ever compete again. A kidney disease—still unnamed publicly—left her sidelined and scared. She quietly returned home to Minnesota for treatment at the Mayo Clinic. For a while, the sport that brought her global fame felt out of reach.
By early 2024, she was back in training. Slowly. Carefully. She skipped most competitions, conserving her strength for Paris. People doubted her. Some even counted her out.
At the Summer Games, she stunned once again: a team gold, plus bronze in the all-around and on the uneven bars. Lee wasn’t just back—she was sharper, tougher, more mature.
One sentence is enough here: she’d evolved.
Not Just Leotards Anymore: Suni Lee Makes a Splash
In true post-Olympics tradition, athletes often branch out—think Wheaties boxes, talk show appearances, endorsement deals. Lee? She chose a swimsuit shoot with Sports Illustrated, one of America’s most storied lifestyle publications.
The setting was Boca Raton, Florida. The energy: fierce yet calm.
SI shared previews of her shoot earlier this week. She wore soft pastels, sporty cuts, and a quiet confidence that practically jumped off the page. There was no over-the-top posing, no pretentious vibe. Just Suni—elegant, powerful, grounded.
Here’s what stuck out about the shoot:
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It was her first SI appearance, ever.
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The styling felt natural, not forced.
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It honored her athleticism, not just her looks.
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She reportedly had full input on the shoot’s tone and visuals.
Lee called it “one of the most empowering experiences of her life.”
That’s saying something for someone who’s stood atop the Olympic podium.
The Significance of Visibility—and Why It Still Matters
This isn’t just about swimsuits and sun-drenched beaches.
Lee is Hmong-American, the first of her heritage to ever win Olympic gold for the U.S. Representation, especially in traditionally Eurocentric spaces like SI’s Swimsuit Issue, still hits hard.
In the modeling world, Asian-American women are still underrepresented—especially in sports-adjacent media. Lee stepping into that spotlight isn’t just cool. It’s historic.
A quick glance at recent SI Swimsuit covers reveals a growing trend: more athletes, more diversity, more authenticity.
Table: Recent Athletes Featured in SI Swimsuit (2021–2025)
| Year | Athlete | Sport | Notable Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Naomi Osaka | Tennis | First Haitian-Japanese model cover |
| 2022 | Eileen Gu | Freestyle Ski | Youngest Winter Olympian in issue |
| 2023 | Megan Rapinoe | Soccer | LGBTQ+ activist and two-time World Champ |
| 2024 | Chloe Kim | Snowboarding | Multiple X-Games gold medalist |
| 2025 | Suni Lee | Gymnastics | First Hmong-American in issue |
Lee joins a short but growing list of elite athletes blurring the lines between competition and culture.
How the Public Responded: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Cheers
On X (formerly Twitter), fans praised Lee for embracing a new side of herself. One post with over 75,000 likes read, “She’s rewriting what it means to be an Olympian.”
Instagram comments were flooded with fire emojis, heart-eyes, and messages like “Queen!” and “Role model!!” Parents mentioned how their daughters were inspired by her strength and grace—on the beam and in a bikini.
There were some critics, sure. A few folks argued that Olympians shouldn’t “go commercial.” But honestly? That debate feels tired.
One sentence here: athletes are allowed to be human.
A Year That Refuses to Slow Down
The SI debut is just the latest chapter in what’s been a whirlwind year for Lee. Between Olympic glory and personal healing, she’s showing no signs of slowing.
She’s back at Auburn finishing her degree. She’s mentoring younger gymnasts. She’s even hinting at Paris being her “last Olympics”—though she’s left the door open for LA 2028.
What’s next? Could be television. Could be coaching. Could be something else entirely.
