Suni Lee receives ESPY for comeback after kidney disease

Gymnast Sunisa “Suni” Lee, the first Hmong American Olympian and the first Asian American woman to win Olympic all-around gold, was named Best Comeback Athlete at the 2025 ESPYs in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old received the honor after overcoming a year of serious health challenges, including a 2023 diagnosis of two rare kidney diseases that halted her gymnastics career at Auburn University.

Lee accepted the honor at the Dolby Theatre, expressing gratitude to her doctors and support team for their role in her recovery. “When I was diagnosed with two rare kidney diseases, I was told I’d never compete again,” Lee said in her remarks. “But I refuse to believe that … From hospital beds to three Olympic medals in Paris, this is proof that no setback can stop you if you don’t stop fighting.”