Suni Lee: Ethnicity, Net Worth, Relationship & Kidney Disease

Most people remember the first time they watched a Hmong American athlete compete on the world stage. Suni Lee did more than compete—she became the first Hmong American Olympic all-around champion in Tokyo 2020, then fought her way back from a kidney disease diagnosis to win team gold in Paris 2024.

Full Name: Sunisa Phabsomphou Lee ·
Age: 21 (born July 9, 2003) ·
Height: 5 ft 0 in (152 cm) ·
Olympic Medals: 6 (2 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze) ·
Net Worth: Estimated $5 million (2025) ·
Diagnosis: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (kidney disease)

Eight facts across biography, health, and wealth—one pattern: every category has hard data mixed with estimation.

The table below compiles verified biographical details alongside the estimated net worth figure.

What ethnicity is Suni Lee?

Suni Lee is Hmong American—the first gymnast of Hmong descent to represent the United States at the Olympic level. She was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and her parents are immigrants from Laos. Her cultural identity is central to her public profile. In interviews, Lee has said she wants to inspire young Hmong girls to pursue their dreams. SCMP (Hong Kong news outlet) describes her as the first Hmong American Olympic champion.

The implication: Her Hmong identity is the most verifiable part of her biography, a fact she actively uses to inspire others.

What is Suni Lee’s religion?

Lee has mentioned in a few interviews that she is Christian, but no official biography from Team USA or Olympics.com specifies her religious affiliation. The claim is reported but lacks a primary source. Given the uncertainty, this detail belongs in the “unclear” category.

Why does Suni Lee have dots on her lips?

The small dots visible on Lee’s lips in photos are a traditional Hmong cosmetic practice—lip tattooing or a cultural accessory. She has not publicly discussed the meaning in depth, and no verified source confirms the practice. It is widely speculated among fans and cultural commentators.

What this means: Suni Lee’s ethnicity is the most verifiable part of her identity; her religious and cosmetic choices remain in the realm of speculation.

What chronic illness does Suni Lee have?

In 2023, Suni Lee disclosed that she had been diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a kidney disease that causes scarring of the kidney’s filtering units. The diagnosis came after months of unexplained swelling that began in February 2023. Lee told TODAY (U.S. morning show) she gained about 40 pounds during the swelling episode and doctors initially thought it was allergies.

What did Suni Lee get diagnosed with?

• Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis – a type of kidney disease (American Kidney Fund)
• Two forms of kidney disease, according to Lee (TODAY)
• Diagnosis confirmed via kidney biopsy (Prevention)
• Condition went into remission by April 2024 (Britannica)

The catch: Her health crisis is both a career disruptor and a resilience narrative; the American Kidney Fund partnership she launched in July 2024 aims to educate others on early detection.

Is Suni Lee in a relationship?

As of 2025, Suni Lee is not married. She has been linked by fan speculation to basketball player OG Anunoby and football player Zion Harmon, but neither Lee nor her representatives have confirmed any relationship. Her Instagram and public appearances do not feature a public partner.

Is Suni Lee married?

No, Suni Lee is not married. No marriage license or public announcement exists.

Who is Suni Lee dating?

No confirmed dating partners. The names OG Anunoby and Zion Harmon appear in online speculation, but without official confirmation, they remain rumors.

The pattern: Suni Lee keeps her personal life private. Fans should treat any relationship claims as unverified until she speaks publicly.

Is Suni Lee a millionaire?

Yes, by most estimates. Suni Lee’s net worth is approximately $5 million as of 2025. Her wealth comes from Olympic prize money (e.g., $37,500 for gold in 2021), endorsement deals with brands, appearance fees, and social media influence. Her Instagram following of over 4 million generates sponsored post income. After her 2024 Olympic success, her earnings likely increased.

The catch: Net worth figures are estimates. Lee has not publicly disclosed her finances, and the $5 million figure should be treated as an industry estimate, not a verified number.

How old is Suni Lee?

Suni Lee was born on July 9, 2003, making her 21 years old as of 2025. She is a senior at Auburn University but took a break from collegiate competition to focus on the Paris Olympics.

How tall is Suni Lee?

She stands 5 feet 0 inches (152 cm) tall—a compact frame typical of elite gymnasts where power-to-weight ratio matters.

The trade-off: Being 5’0″ on the gymnastics floor is an advantage for rotation, but it also means Lee had to develop exceptional upper-body strength to compete with taller rivals on vault and floor.

Quotes from Suni Lee

“I was just so swollen. I gained like 40 pounds and I didn’t know what was happening.”

— Suni Lee, speaking to TODAY about her initial symptoms

“I’m so proud to be Hmong and to represent my community on the world stage.”

— Suni Lee, post-Olympic interview with SCMP

“I am thrilled to partner with the American Kidney Fund to help educate people about kidney health.”

— Suni Lee, American Kidney Fund announcement, July 9, 2024

“Coming back from this has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I’m not done yet.”

— Suni Lee, interview with Prevention

The stakes are real: Suni Lee proved that a chronic diagnosis does not have to end an elite career. For young athletes facing similar health struggles, her return to Olympic gold shows that remission, combined with expert medical support and mental resilience, can sustain world-class performance. For fans and followers, the lesson is that public figures often navigate private battles—and the facts we have are only part of the story.

For a deeper look into her background and achievements, A detailed profile of Suni Lee offers extensive coverage of her journey.

Frequently asked questions

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