Suni Lee Returns to Gymnastics Training With Eye on LA 2028 Olympics

Training Return to Midwest Gymnastics

Suni Lee has officially returned to Midwest Gymnastics in Little Canada, Minnesota, the facility where she developed her skills as a child. Lee, who turns 25 by the time of the 2028 Games, is reuniting with her longtime personal coach, Jess Graba, and co-coach Ali Lim. The coaching staff has been bolstered by the recent addition of Jeff Graba, who joined the club earlier this year following his tenure as head coach at Auburn University.

“Ali and I have coached Suni since she was a little girl in this gym, and watching her decide to chase this again is something I’ll never take for granted. She’s already given the sport everything, so for her to walk back through these doors and go after 2028 on her own terms, with our whole team behind her, it means the world. We’re just going to do the work and enjoy every day of it.”

Jess Graba, Elite Head Coach, Midwest Gymnastics

Lee’s decision to return comes exactly two years before the opening of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. While she was widely speculated to be retired—and was even listed as such on the World Gymnastics website—she confirmed her intent to continue in a video posted to social media.

Documentary Project with Fanatics Studios

Beyond her training, Lee is collaborating with Fanatics Studios and Cookie Jar & a Dream Studios on a documentary project. The film aims to provide an intimate look at her life on and off the mat, covering her career from her breakthrough at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to her 2023 diagnosis with a chronic kidney disease and her subsequent return to the podium at the 2024 Paris Games.

“This is more than a documentary; it’s an invitation to come along for the journey. I know there’s more in me, and this is my chance to challenge myself, test my limits, and see what I’m truly capable of.”

Suni Lee, Olympic gold medalist

Michael D.

Context of the Elite Gymnastics Comeback Wave

Lee joins a growing list of veteran athletes announcing their intentions to compete in the 2028 Olympic cycle. Olympic team to announce a return, following Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera. This trend reflects a broader shift in the sport where elite gymnasts are increasingly competing well into their twenties.

The landscape for the 2028 team remains fluid. While some veterans are committing, others are still weighing their options. Simone Biles, who is 29, recently told CNN that her participation in 2028 is currently a 50-50 decision, citing the heavy mental and physical toll of the sport.

Health and Career Milestones

Lee’s career has been defined by resilience. In early 2023, she faced a severe health crisis, which led to her early departure from Auburn University. Despite these setbacks, she successfully returned to competition in time for the Paris 2024 Games, where she secured team gold, as well as individual bronze medals in the all-around and uneven bars.

Following her Paris success, Lee spent time in New York City. However, her focus has now shifted back to the gym. As she stated in her announcement video, I know what I’m capable of, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get there. With her sights set on Los Angeles, the gymnastics community now awaits the next steps in her training as she prepares for the 2027 season and beyond.

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