2024 Paris Olympics: Suni Lee wins another bronze on uneven bars

Suni Lee can rest assured that she belongs in the upper echelons of women gymnasts after winning her bronze medal in the uneven bars.

Even after winning the overall best best gymnast in the Tokyo Olympics, a little bit of self doubt lingered as social media trolls were constantly reminding her that she won only because Simone Biles had dropped out of the competition.

But helping the US team win a gold and and earning a bronze medal in the overall in Paris helped boost her confidence. But winning a bronze Sunday on uneven bars, her best event, should erased all doubt.

FYI: Follow all the AANHPI athletes at the Paris Olympics.

The eight women competing on the uneven bars were the best in the world in that event. The packed field included the two women who won gold and silver in Tokyo, the current world champion and the European champion. 

As the 21-year old Hmong American awaited her turn, she watched -- and cheered -- her competition. 

Qiu Qiyuan of China perormed beautifully and scored a 15.5. Algeria's Kaylia Nemour sailed through her difficult routine and scored a 15.7.

Lee was the first to embrace them as they came down to the floor but she knew she had to be at her best to join them on the podium.

Lee nailed her routine. Her score, a 14.8, was enough for a bronze medal. When Lee saw her score, her mouth dropped open and her eyes popped.

"I watched everyone go up there and I was like, 'Oh my gosh. I have to have the best routine of my life.’ And that’s what I did!” Lee said.

After battling two kidney ailments and working her way back to Olympic form, there was doubt that she could return to competitive form, mush less qualify for the USA Olympic team. Her performance at the Olympics was sweeter than her historic Tokyo victories. She's back. She belongs.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge