NO: Auburn Tigers Olympic Gymnast Suni Lee Stuns in Glamorous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Debut, Embraces Confidence
In a bold and breathtaking move that has captivated both the sports and fashion worlds, Auburn Tigers Olympic gymnast Suni Lee has officially made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut—and it’s every bit as iconic as her gold-medal performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Lee, who has long been celebrated for her athletic brilliance and fierce determination, now steps into a new spotlight: one of self-expression, body confidence, and fearless individuality.
For the 21-year-old gymnast from Saint Paul, Minnesota, this isn’t just about modeling—it’s about rewriting the narrative for female athletes, especially those from minority and marginalized communities. The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, once criticized for its objectification of women, has evolved in recent years into a platform of empowerment. And with Suni Lee gracing its glossy pages, the transformation is complete.
Suni Lee first soared into the global consciousness as the all-around gold medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Hmong American to compete for Team USA—and the first to win gold. Her win was historic, symbolic, and deeply emotional, not just for her family and community but for millions of fans across the country.
In the years since, Lee has become a beacon of resilience, navigating the challenges of balancing NCAA competition at Auburn, Olympic-level training, endorsement deals, and public scrutiny—all while growing into adulthood in the public eye.
Her latest appearance in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is another chapter in that evolution. In a series of stunning photos taken on a beach in the Bahamas, Lee wears shimmering, high-fashion swimsuits while radiating a sense of calm power and unapologetic pride. The spread immediately went viral.
“I never thought I would do something like this,” Lee said in an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated. “But I’ve learned that confidence comes in many forms, and this was about showing the world—and myself—that I’m proud of who I am and what my body has done for me.”
More than just a glamorous shoot, Suni Lee’s swimsuit debut sends a message. In an industry that often prioritizes narrow beauty standards, her appearance is a declaration that athleticism, femininity, and strength can—and should—coexist.
For Lee, embracing her figure and celebrating her body was no easy feat. “As gymnasts, we’re used to being judged—literally—for how we look when we perform,” she shared. “We’re taught to be strong, but also graceful. There’s a lot of pressure to look a certain way. I wanted to break out of that mindset and just be me.”
It’s a message that resonates with millions of young women across the world, particularly young Asian Americans who rarely see themselves represented in mainstream fashion or sports media. Lee’s presence in the swimsuit issue reaffirms that diversity matters—and that representation can be powerful.
Suni Lee’s decision to step in front of the camera in a whole new way was met with resounding support from the Auburn Tigers community, including coaches, teammates, and fans. Auburn gymnastics head coach Jeff Graba, who has mentored Lee since her freshman year, praised her courage.
“We’ve always supported Suni’s ambition both on and off the mat,” Graba said. “This is just another example of her showing the world that she’s more than just a gymnast—she’s a role model, a trailblazer, and someone who’s not afraid to take risks.”
Fellow Auburn student-athletes also chimed in on social media, applauding Lee’s photos and the powerful confidence she displayed. The Auburn gymnastics team posted a collage of her magazine photos with the caption, “Queens lift queens. We see you, Suni! ”
Her appearance comes during a period of rising attention for women’s collegiate athletics, particularly at Auburn. Lee’s high-profile debut only further cements the university’s position as a place that nurtures excellence—athletic, academic, and artistic.
While her Olympic gold medal was a career-defining moment, Suni Lee’s journey since then has been just as impactful. Her decision to attend Auburn shocked the gymnastics world and brought unprecedented attention to NCAA gymnastics. Her commitment to competing at the collegiate level, while also maintaining elite training, redefined what was possible for athletes balancing academics and athletics.
Now, by stepping into the modeling world, Lee adds another layer to her legacy—one that embraces versatility and individuality.
“I don’t want to be put in a box,” Lee explained. “I love gymnastics. I love competing. But I also love fashion. I love beauty. I love expressing myself. And I hope that by doing this, more young girls will see that they don’t have to choose one path. They can be everything they want to be.”
Lee’s willingness to open up about her personal struggles, including her battle with anxiety and the pressures of fame, has also endeared her to fans. In her Sports Illustrated interview, she acknowledged the mental and emotional challenges she faced after Tokyo.
“There were times I didn’t feel good enough. Times I didn’t even want to leave my house,” she said. “But then I realized I have to live for myself, not for anyone else’s expectations.”
Within hours of the swimsuit issue’s release, social media lit up with praise. On Instagram, Lee’s post of one of her photos racked up over 2 million likes and thousands of comments.
“Never been more proud of an athlete,” one fan commented. “You’re redefining what it means to be a champion.”
Other athletes, including Simone Biles, Coco Gauff, and Naomi Osaka, applauded her bravery. “YES SUNI! You look amazing,” Biles commented. “And you’re making space for all of us.”
Her fans included celebrities and fashion influencers, with stylist and designer Law Roach calling Lee “the moment” and praising the shoot’s elegance and authenticity.
Suni Lee’s decision to pose for Sports Illustrated is not just about glamour—it’s about visibility. She joins the ranks of powerful women like Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, and Alex Morgan who have used the SI platform to make bold statements.
“For so long, Asian American women have been overlooked in sports, media, and fashion,” Lee said. “I’m proud to be part of a movement that says we’re here, and we’re not going anywhere.”
She has also teased upcoming collaborations in both the fashion and beauty industries, including a limited-edition line of activewear designed specifically for athletes of all body types. “It’s not about looking a certain way—it’s about feeling strong in your skin,” Lee said.
While Lee is currently focusing on her training and completing her degree at Auburn, she hasn’t ruled out a return to the Olympics. With Paris 2024 behind her due to health complications, she has her sights set on Los Angeles 2028, where she hopes to compete in front of a home crowd.
“I’m not done with gymnastics yet,” she said with a smile. “But I also know there’s more to me than just what I do on the mat.”
Whether it’s flipping through the air in a leotard or striking a pose on the beach in a designer swimsuit, Suni Lee is charting her own course—and inspiring others to do the same.
Suni Lee’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut isn’t just a milestone in her career—it’s a cultural moment. It’s a celebration of athleticism, beauty, and identity, a reminder that confidence is not one-size-fits-all, and a powerful symbol of how today’s athletes are using their platforms to change the conversation.
In embracing her femininity and strength, Lee is once again doing what she’s always done: breaking barriers, defying expectations, and inspiring the next generation to believe that they, too, can be everything they dream of—and more.