"Lee expressed to reporters in a crowded media room after winning the bronze medal, 'It has required a lot. Today, I was telling everyone that I truly didn't believe I could make it onto the podium. It's unbelievable that I'm standing here.'"
"I went out there and reminded myself not to place any pressure on myself because I didn't want to dwell on past Olympics or attempt to prove anything to anyone else," she said. "My goal was to demonstrate to myself that I could achieve it, despite my initial doubts. It has been quite a journey."
Simone Biles' remarkable return to form has garnered widespread attention, but Sunisa Lee has carved out her own, perhaps even more improbable, journey back to the Olympic podium. She became the first female all-around champion to win consecutive individual all-around medals since the legendary Nadia Comaneci did so in 1976-1980.
Lee unexpectedly found herself in the spotlight as the Olympic champion at Tokyo 2020 in 2021, following Biles' withdrawal from the team event and decision to also opt out of the individual competition.
It was at that moment Lee seized her Olympic title with determination, yet challenges followed as injuries marred her college years and an unusual illness—a rare kidney condition—put her in a hospital bed.
"Having Simone here today really made a big difference for me; we were both nervous," said Lee, 21, laughing. "It was comforting to know I wasn't the only one feeling overwhelmed. The bronze medal wasn't guaranteed, especially with Bercy Arena cheering 'SUNI! SUNI!' as Lee performed her final routine of the night on the floor."
At the conclusion of her balance beam routine, she struggled mentally, trailing Italy's Alice D'Amato by a mere 0.034 points. However, any uncertainties were dispelled with her initial move—a full-twisting double layout that she flawlessly landed, accompanied by an exuberant smile.
For Jess Graba, Lee's longtime coach, reaching Paris was the victory. The past 18 months have been challenging.
Medals are nice, but being here is the biggest thing," Graba told reporters. "What she went through and she is still going through... she's just such a fighter. I always bet on her.
The sellout crowd erupted once more as Lee's scores appeared, guaranteeing her a medal. She fully absorbed the moment, initially covering her mouth with her hand before enveloping Graba in a big hug.
"I was like, I don't even know how to do math in my head," giggled Lee to reporters, sitting beside Biles at the press conference. "I was like, 'I don't even know how to do math in my head,' and Simone said, 'Me neither.'"