Minnesota Gymnast Suni Lee Honored with Statue in Hometown
Minnesota gymnast Suni Lee, who won an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo this year, was honored in her hometown of St. Paul with a statue unveiling ceremony at Phalen Regional Park. The statue, depicting Lee during her winning Women’s All-Around routine, is the first dedicated to a female athlete in a St. Paul Park.
The event was organized by St. Paul Parks and Recreation, who surprised Lee with the statue as a tribute to her historic achievement. Lee, who is of Hmong American descent, became the first Hmong American to win an Olympic gold medal. Her victory has made her a role model and inspiration for many aspiring athletes.
The artist behind the statue, Seexeng Lee, who is also related to Suni, spent less than a year designing and molding the bust. The statue now stands permanently along Lake Phalen, serving as a symbol of Lee’s dedication and hard work.
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan was also present at the ceremony and proclaimed July 30th as Sunisa Lee Day in the state of Minnesota. Lee expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from her community and her determination to inspire future generations of athletes.
Following the unveiling ceremony, Suni Lee took the time to meet her fans, sign autographs, and interact with young gymnasts who see her as a role model. Among them was 9-year-old Emma Nguyen, who aspires to follow Suni’s footsteps and make it to the Olympics one day.
Suni Lee’s journey to Olympic success has resonated with fans not only in the world of gymnastics but also in everyday life. Her message of perseverance and belief in oneself has inspired young fans like Katie Bierscheid, who remarked that Suni’s achievement taught her to never give up on her dreams.
Looking ahead, Suni Lee has her sights set on the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Before that, she is expected to compete in the Olympic trials, which will be held in Minneapolis in June 2024.
By honoring Suni Lee with a statue and declaring a day in her honor, the people of St. Paul and the state of Minnesota are recognizing her incredible talent, hard work, and the pride she has brought to her community. Suni Lee’s journey serves as a reminder that dedication and determination can lead to great success, both on and off the gymnastics mat.
