The Olympic all-around gymnastics gold medalist, Sunisa Lee, shares her battle with a kidney issue that affected her performance at the 2023 Gymnastics World Championships.
Sunisa Lee, the reigning Olympic all-around gymnastics gold medalist, has recently revealed the challenges she faced due to a kidney issue that sidelined her from the 2023 Gymnastics World Championships. Lee’s kidney issue, which also forced her to end her collegiate career at Auburn, caused her to gain 45 pounds this year. In an interview with USA Today, Lee opened up about the frightening symptoms she experienced and how she managed to make a comeback.
The Impact of the Kidney Issue
Lee declined to disclose the specific illness but described the physical toll it took on her body. She explained that she couldn’t fit into her clothes and her eyes were swollen shut, leading to a terrifying experience. The weight gain was a result of water retention caused by the kidney issue, making it difficult for her to perform gymnastics routines.
Overcoming Challenges and Regaining Form
Despite the setbacks, Lee demonstrated resilience and determination in her recovery. She attributed her improvement to changes in her diet, specifically reducing sodium intake to lower water retention. Additionally, she adjusted her training approach to accommodate her condition. Lee acknowledged that while she still experiences bad days, she has made significant progress in overcoming the challenges posed by her kidney issue.
Return to Competition
After stepping away from competition in February, Lee made her comeback in August at the U.S. Classic, where she won a bronze medal in the beam event. She continued her impressive performance at the U.S. Championships, securing a bronze medal in the balance beam. Although she declined an invitation to the team selection camp for the World Championships due to her kidney issue, Lee remains focused on her recovery and prioritizing her health.
Looking Ahead
Lee expressed her reluctance to risk her well-being in a non-Olympic year, which is why she declined the opportunity to compete at the World Championships. However, with the Paris Olympics scheduled for next year, Lee remains hopeful and determined to return to top form. While she acknowledges the importance of the Games, she is currently focused on her recovery and not dwelling on future competitions.
Conclusion:
Sunisa Lee’s battle with a kidney issue has posed significant challenges to her gymnastics career. Despite the setbacks caused by the illness, Lee has shown remarkable resilience and determination in her recovery. Through changes in her diet and training approach, she has managed to regain her form and return to competition. While she prioritizes her health and well-being, Lee remains hopeful for a successful comeback in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Her inspiring journey serves as a testament to her strength and determination in the face of adversity.
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