Suni Lee Confirms Training for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Olympic gymnast Suni Lee has officially announced her intention to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The three-time Olympic medalist confirmed her return to training via social media, signaling a commitment to represent the United States on home soil four years after her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Lee, who has battled significant health challenges in recent years, remains one of the most decorated gymnasts in American history.

Path to Los Angeles 2028

Suni Lee’s decision to aim for the 2028 Olympics marks a long-term commitment to the sport following her successful campaign in Paris. At the 2024 Games, Lee secured a gold medal in the team all-around and added two individual bronze medals in the all-around and uneven bars. According to official Olympic records, her career medal count now stands at six, making her one of the most prolific athletes in the program. Her return to the gym aims to bridge the gap between her current elite standing and the 2028 cycle, which will be hosted in the United States for the first time since 1996.

Managing Health and Longevity in Gymnastics

The journey toward 2028 follows a difficult period for Lee, who was diagnosed with two rare kidney-related health issues in 2023. These conditions forced her to end her collegiate career at Auburn University prematurely and required a rigorous management plan to return to elite international competition. Speaking to NBC Sports during the lead-up to Paris, Lee noted that her focus shifted toward balancing high-intensity training with the specific medical requirements of her diagnosis. Her continued participation highlights a trend of increased career longevity among modern gymnasts, who are increasingly competing well into their 20s.

Comparative Context: U.S. Gymnastics Trajectory

Lee’s pursuit of a third Olympic appearance places her among a small group of U.S. gymnasts who have successfully extended their careers across multiple quadrenniums. Her trajectory mirrors that of teammates such as Simone Biles, who also navigated extended breaks and injury recovery to return to the Olympic stage. The following table highlights the progression of Lee’s major international achievements:

What This Means for the U.S. Team

Lee’s presence in the training pool provides stability for the U.S. women’s gymnastics program as it begins the cycle for 2028. Her experience on the uneven bars and in the all-around competition offers a veteran anchor for a team that frequently integrates younger athletes from the junior ranks. According to USA Gymnastics, the selection process for the 2028 team will begin after the 2027 World Championships, providing Lee a structured window to refine her routines and manage her health. Her focus remains on maintaining the form that allowed her to secure a podium finish in the all-around event in Paris, confirming that she intends to remain a top-tier contender for the next four years.